Formula One fans are wondering where Martin Brundle is today, as the Sky Sports pundit is missing from commentary for first practice at the United States Grand Prix.
Former F1 driver Brundle has been a mainstay of F1 commentary in the UK since 1997 – the year after he retired from driving.
He first worked for ITV before moving over to the BBC in 2009 when the latter gained broadcast rights in the UK.
In 2012, UK broadcast rights changed to pay TV channel Sky Sports F1, with Brundle moving once again.
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Since then, he has commentated regularly on Sky’s coverage.
Driver of 158 grands prix, Brundle usually joins Croft for qualifying and the race on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
But with Brundle missing from commentary for practice at the United States Grand Prix, some are wondering where he is.
Where is Martin Brundle today?
10-time podium finisher Brundle is missing from Sky’s coverage for practice at Austin.
Brundle does not commentate on Friday practice running, sometimes going trackside to give his thoughts on practice to lead commentator, David Croft.
He will, however, resume his spot alongside Crofty for qualifying and the race on Saturday and Sunday.
Brundle has missed grands prix in Azerbaijan, Hungary, Holland, Russia and Turkey in recent months.
Given the high number, and frequency of grands prix this season, Sky has been rotating its on-air talent.
Brundle elected to skip the Turkish GP, as his contract allows him to miss a number of races throughout the year.
Instead of being at Istanbul Park, Brundle was at Estoril in Portugal, racing alongside McLaren CEO Zak Brown.
Aside from lead commentator David Croft, other pundits including Brundle, Jenson Button, Paul di Resta and Karun Chandhok are rotated to ensure everyone is well rested.
Main presenter Simon Lazenby missed the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, with Natalie Pinkham stepping into present Sky’s qualifying and race offerings.
Lazenby is presenting qualifying and race coverage from Istanbul this weekend.
Brundle misses another F1 grand prix
The Turkish GP is the second race in succession that Brundle has missed.
He was absent from the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi last time out.
Here’s what people said about his absence at Istanbul Park, where 2009 world champion Button joined Croft on commentary duties.
Brundle continues to race classic cars
Brundle, who won the 1990 Le Mans 24 Hours is a keen historic racer, often taking part in events such as the Silverstone Classic and Goodwood Revival.
The broadcaster missed the Hungarian GP before the summer break as he was competing at the Silverstone Classic.
He took part along with his son, Alex, who often commentates on F1 and the junior series for F1TV.
Brundle was also absent from Baku too
The Sky Sports presenter wasn’t at the Azerbaijan GP in June, a race he has often skipped.
Brundle stayed home, as the race on June 6th fell with the week of his 62nd birthday on June 1st.
Brundle posted an Instagram picture captioned: “Thank you for the many birthday wishes today. Makes me feel very happy, and lucky. Pedal to the metal”
