George Russell and Damon Hill react as ‘best in the business’ F1 legend Martin Brundle receives his OBE

Former Formula 1 driver and Sky broadcaster Martin Brundle received his OBE from the Prince of Wales on Tuesday.

Awarded for his services to motor racing and sports broadcasting, the 65-year-old received the honour at Windsor Castle as part of the King’s New Year’s honours.

Brundle raced in F1 from 1984 to 1996, driving for several iconic teams such as Tyrrell, Williams, Benetton and McLaren, before finishing his career at Jordan.

The Brit competed alongside some of the sport’s greatest names, including Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. Brundle felt Senna had a greater ‘gift’ than Schumacher with his incredible speed and driving ability.

The Brazilian had a tense rivalry with the 65-year-old during their junior careers, which continued into F1. Brundle said Senna was ‘annoyed’ his F1 career started better, as the three-time champion initially struggled at Toleman.

George Russell labels Martin Brundle ‘best in the business’ after receiving OBE

After retiring from motorsport, Brundle switched his racing helmet and gloves for microphones and TV cameras as he became a pundit and commentator for F1.

Today, the 65-year-old is a fan favourite, most known for his iconic grid walks before the Grand Prix. He is often seen chasing down drivers and having hilarious and often cringeworthy conversations with A-list celebrities.

Brundle’s OBE marks a special day in the world of F1, with several figures around the paddock offering their congratulations. Mercedes driver George Russell was one of the first to send a message to his fellow compatriot on social media.

Brundle admires Russell’s confidence in 2025 as he leads the Silver Arrows after the departure of Lewis Hamilton over the winter. The 27-year-old sits fourth in the standings as he emerges as one of McLaren’s closest title challengers.

Writing on his Instagram story about Brundle’s news, Russell congratulated the F1 legend: “Congrats Martin, well deserved. Best in the business!!”

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

Damon Hill and Karun Chandhok react to ‘proud day’ of Martin Brundle receiving an OBE

Brundle also received messages from current and former colleagues at Sky Sports. Karun Chandhok, who raced in F1 for HRT and Caterham in the 2010s, hoped the Brit had a special guest lined up for his grid walk at the British Grand Prix.

Chandhok wrote via X (formerly Twitter): “@MBrundleF1…. Hope you’ve got Prince William lined up for the gridwalk at @SilverstoneUK!!”

Former Sky employee Damon Hill also sent a message to Brundle via his Instagram story. The 1996 world champion raced against his fellow compatriot for five seasons, winning the F1 title in Brundle’s final year in F1.

In response to Brundle’s award, Hill wrote: “OBE for MB. Proud day.”