Martin Brundle is embracing a quieter chapter in his broadcasting career, confirming he'll attend just 16 Formula 1 races for Sky Sports in 2026—down from 18 in 2025—as the 66-year-old veteran manages what appears to be a natural wind-down from his demanding travel schedule.
Speaking on The F1 Show podcast, Brundle revealed the practical reality behind his reduced commitments. "I do 16 races a year, so I have to miss some, and they tend to be the early-hours-of-the-morning races," he explained, referencing the challenging time zones that have already seen him absent from China and Japan this season.
The decision carries genuine emotion for the former driver-turned-broadcaster, particularly when it comes to missing circuits that hold special meaning. "But I always feel a bit sad when I'm not in Suzuka because I love that track as a driver and as a broadcaster, but I can't do them all these days," Brundle admitted with characteristic honesty.
Brundle's scaled-back presence means his beloved grid walk feature—a pre-race staple that has produced countless memorable moments and awkward celebrity encounters—will be absent from more races. The segments have become as much a part of race day tradition as the national anthems, making their absence notable for longtime viewers.
The broadcaster's gradual step-back represents the end of an era for someone who has been Sky Sports' cornerstone since the network acquired UK F1 rights in 2012. His journey through television has spanned decades, from ITV (1997-2008) to BBC (2009-2011) and finally Sky, making him one of the sport's most enduring voices.
Despite the reduced schedule, Brundle maintains his enthusiasm for the races he does attend. He confirmed his presence at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix on May 3, calling it "almost like the start of a new Formula One season" following the enforced break after race cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the Iran conflict.
"It's going to be one of the biggest relaunches in the history of Formula 1, I think," Brundle said of the Miami return, suggesting that while his presence may be more selective, his passion for the sport's biggest moments remains undiminished.
As F1 uses its current break to address technical concerns about 2026 regulations—with meetings scheduled to discuss potential power unit rule changes—Brundle's more measured approach to travel reflects the practical adjustments that come with a long and distinguished broadcasting career.
Source: Crash.net