F1 Analysis: Why the time is right to end Martin Brundle grid walks

The 2026 F1 season is the 30th since Martin Brundle first did his famous grid walk segment for the TV cameras. Sky Sports should really use that as a convenient, numerically satisfying moment to retire it for good.

Published: Monday, 21 September 2026 at 8:45 AM
F1 Analysis: Why the time is right to end Martin Brundle grid walks
Key Things to Know
  • The 2026 Formula 1 season marks the 30th anniversary of Martin Brundle's first pre-race grid walk segment.
  • Writer Chris Deeley argues that Sky Sports should permanently retire the grid walk segment rather than modify it.
  • Brundle's grid walks began at Silverstone in 1997 and transitioned across ITV, BBC, and Sky Sports.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The 2026 Formula 1 season marks the 30th year since Martin Brundle first conducted his famous pre-race grid walk segment. Writer Chris Deeley argues that Sky Sports should use this milestone to permanently retire the segment rather than attempting to modify or reformat it.

Brundle's grid walks began at Silverstone in 1997 on ITV before moving to the BBC and eventually Sky Sports in 2012. The segment has reportedly grown stale in recent years, with Brundle noting that modern drivers are less welcoming to the impromptu interviews.

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