Sky Sports veteran Martin Brundle has made headlines once again, this time not for his gridwalk charm but for requesting a police escort ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix—a precaution sparked by both logistical chaos and Brazil’s notorious trackside security concerns. His request follows his team’s smooth experience in Mexico, where authorities provided Sky Sports with a police-led convoy through the gridlocked Mexico City streets.
Having taken a scheduled break during the Mexican GP, Brundle’s absence was noted by fans and colleagues alike. On the Sky Sports F1 podcast, host Simon Lazenby humorously mentioned how the police escort “helped us glide through Mexico traffic,” prompting Brundle to respond that such arrangements should be “on the agenda” for future races—including the upcoming Brazilian round.
While the exchange appeared lighthearted, the Brazilian GP’s turbulent safety record casts a serious undertone. In 2017, a Mercedes team minibus was robbed at gunpoint after practice, with valuables stolen but no injuries reported. That same weekend saw Pirelli, McLaren, Williams, and FIA personnel targeted in separate incidents, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled Pirelli test at Interlagos.
In response, the FIA issued a formal statement, vowing to strengthen collaboration with local authorities and teams to ensure a secure environment at all Formula 1 events. Yet, for many within the paddock, memories of those incidents linger—turning precautionary measures like Brundle’s into acts of quiet pragmatism rather than paranoia.
Brundle’s candid request ultimately underscores the balance between Formula 1’s glamour and its grittier realities. Beneath the roar of the engines and flashing cameras lies a sport that demands not only speed and spectacle—but vigilance. And for one of F1’s most seasoned voices, safety is a race worth winning before the lights even go out.
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