Martin Brundle to reduce Sky Sports F1 commentary schedule from 2026

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle has confirmed he will adopt a reduced schedule starting in 2026, stepping back from covering every race. The broadcasting icon, known for his sharp analysis and iconic grid walks, will continue his role but on a more selective basis, with 2009 world champion Jenson Button widely seen as his natural long-term successor within the Sky team.

Why it matters:

Brundle has been the consistent voice of F1 for a generation of British fans, forming a legendary commentary partnership with David Croft since Sky secured the rights in 2012. His potential gradual stepback marks a significant shift in the broadcast landscape, forcing the network to plan for a future without one of its most recognizable and authoritative figures. How Sky manages this transition will be crucial for maintaining the quality and familiarity of its coverage for millions of viewers.

The details:

• Brundle confirmed his planned reduced role on the Sky F1 Show podcast, stating he currently does "16 races a year" and has to miss others, particularly those in far-flung time zones.
• He expressed regret at missing iconic events like the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, a track he loves both as a former driver and broadcaster.
• This pattern is already in effect. In the 2024 season, Brundle worked 18 of the 22 rounds, skipping races in Japan, Austria, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Las Vegas.
• So far in 2025, he has only been on commentary duty for the Australian Grand Prix, missing the subsequent rounds in China and Japan.
• Internally, Sky presenter Simon Lazenby has pointed to Jenson Button as the obvious heir apparent, praising the 2009 champion's sharp analysis, engaging delivery, and innate ability to read and explain complex race situations since he joined the broadcast team in 2018.

The big picture:

Martin Brundle's career bridges the classic and modern eras of F1. His perspective as a former Grand Prix driver—with 158 starts and nine podiums—combined with his decades of broadcasting experience has made him an invaluable asset. His grid walks have become must-see television, often creating viral moments. While his reduced schedule from 2026 formalizes an already ongoing process, it solidifies the beginning of a carefully managed succession plan. Sky appears poised to transition the lead analyst role to Jenson Button, who has steadily earned respect and could provide seamless continuity, ensuring the commentary box retains the driver's insight that Brundle himself perfected.