Martin Brundle was ignored by Michael Schumacher for years (Image: None)
Martin Brundle has revealed that he was given the cold shoulder by for half a decade following a misunderstanding. The 65-year-old former driver turned commentator, who made the switch to broadcasting with ITV in 1997, has become an integral part of ‘ F1 coverage, renowned for his engaging grid walks.
Before taking up the microphone, however, Brundle had his own stint in F1 from 1984 to 1996, during which time he teamed up with the Schumacher at Benetton for the 1992 season.
Brundle has now opened up about his past relationship with Schumacher, including a notable rift that arose between the two ex-team-mates.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
Speaking on Sky Sports’ F1 podcast, Brundle recounted the peculiar circumstances that led to their estrangement: “Weirdly, we fell out because something I said was translated, taken out of context, and translated into German and put in a headline in a newspaper, and Micheal got very upset. I have no idea what it was to this day.
“We didn’t speak he wouldn’t speak to me for five years; it was really odd. Then, we got drunk together in a nightclub in Valencia when he was on his sabbatical between and , and we were fine after that!
“He was sort of hanging off my shoulders like, ‘My team-mate, my team-mate’ and it sort of broke the ice again. I really don’t know what the problem was, but that was a real shame.”
As the trend of drivers transitioning into media roles during the latter stages of their careers continues, the likelihood of having to analyse past comrades-in-arms increases. Nevertheless, Brundle is encouraging towards fellow drivers making the crossover, reports .
Brundle is beloved by fans for his work with Sky Sports (Image: Getty)
“I find it interesting to see Nico [Rosberg], DC [David Coulthard], and Mark Webber coming out of the paddock,” Brundle noted. “They are usually coming to the other side of the track – a bit dingy the TV compounds, empty coffee cups everywhere – and I think how they are the going to cope with that?
“Damon [Hill] is another one, but they all cope with it absolutely fine because they are just real people at the end of the day. They might be mega stars when they’re in a racing car, but they’re just real people.
“They come over and engage, and they just get stuck in. It impresses me. I don’t think it matters whether you’re in TV or still driving or whatever.”