MARTIN BRUNDLE could be the next pundit dropped from Sky Sports F1 after Damon Hill’s exit.
That is the view of Johnny Herbert, who himself was dropped by the broadcaster in 2022.
Martin Brundle could be the next iconic star shown the door at Sky Sports, according to Johnny Herbert[/caption]
Herbert suggested Damon Hill was dropped because of criticism of Max Verstappen[/caption]
Three-time Formula One race winner Herbert, 60, joined at the same time as 1996 world champion Hill.
However, it was announced last week that Hill would be departing Sky Sports F1 at the end of the season.
Brundle was among those to pay a touching tribute to the 64-year-old, writing on social media: “Damon I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of both racing against you and commentating on you in F1, working alongside you on SkyF1, and decades of friendship.
“It’s been a blast, with much more to come.”
But Herbert reckons it may soon be the likes of 65-year-old Brundle or even commentator David Croft who are next shown the exit door.
Although he also believes that Hill’s criticism of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was also a factor in the decision.
Speaking to FlashscoreUSA.com, Herbert said: “I don’t know whether it was [Hill’s] decision or Sky’s, to be honest.
“Was it an enjoyment factor? Potentially. I know he got criticism for the Max scenarios and maybe he felt, ‘You know what, I don’t need that.’
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“There is change going on. If he was pushed, then you wonder what could happen to Martin Brundle and David Croft.”
Herbert also claims Hill was left “unhappy” with the backlash he received for voicing his views on Verstappen.
He added: “He was very unhappy at the crazy level of abuse he got over his Max comments.
“Maybe all that negativity made him decide.”
Announcing his exit, Hill said: “It’s been a fantastic 13 years with Sky Sports F1 but all good things come to an end.
“I will miss the most impressive bunch of professionals it has ever been my pleasure to have worked with. Looking forward to new challenges.”
The F1 title looks set to be wrapped up by the Dutchman in Las Vegas as he only needs to better the score of McLaren’s Lando Norris by three points to secure a fourth title in a row.
Verstappen took almost complete control of the title race after a brilliant recovery drive around a wet Brazil circuit as he raced from P17 to finish first, while Norris only finished P6 after starting on pole.
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