Former F1 Driver Mark Blundell Receives Six-Month Driving Ban

Former McLaren Formula 1 driver and well-known ITV F1 pundit, Mark Blundell, has been issued a six-month driving ban following a speeding offense. The incident occurred on November 20, 2024, when Blundell was caught driving 26 mph over the 70 mph limit on the A14 in Northamptonshire. Blundell, 59, did not appear in court but pleaded guilty through his barrister.

Why it matters:

• Mark Blundell is a familiar name in Formula 1, having competed for teams like McLaren and Brabham in the 1990s and later becoming a prominent F1 pundit for ITV. This ban, though for a civilian offense, puts a spotlight on public figures and traffic regulations.

The Details:

• The Offense: Blundell was caught driving his Land Rover at 96 mph in a 70 mph zone on the A14 in Northamptonshire.
• Legal Proceedings: He did not personally attend Northampton Magistrates’ Court but had his barrister enter a guilty plea on his behalf.
• Consequences:
  • Received five penalty points on his license.
  • Triggered a six-month driving ban under the 'totting-up' rules, where accumulated points lead to a suspension.
  • Ordered to pay a total of £1,042, covering fines, court costs, and a victim surcharge.

The Big Picture:

• Blundell had a notable career in F1, securing three podium finishes in 61 starts between 1991 and 1995. He also achieved significant success outside F1, winning the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 1992 with Peugeot.
• Post-racing, Blundell transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a key figure in ITV's F1 coverage from 2003 until 2008.
• In recent decades, he has focused on driver management and sports marketing. He co-founded 2MB with Martin Brundle in 2005 and later established MB Partners, a sports marketing agency.
• His involvement in motorsport continued, including a return to full-time racing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 2019 and later serving as Sporting Director for MB Motorsport, where he oversaw Jake Hill's 2024 BTCC title win.

What's next:

• This driving ban is a personal setback for Blundell, impacting his daily life for the next six months. It serves as a reminder that public figures are not exempt from traffic laws.
• Blundell will continue his work with MB Partners and MB Motorsport, though his mobility might be temporarily restricted. His focus remains on driver management and sports marketing, especially with Jake Hill's recent departure from BTCC and move to GT racing in 2026.