Martin Brundle claims F1 drivers are ‘fourth in line’ amid security issues

Martin Brundle believes Components 1 drivers are “fourth in line” in terms of the priorities of governing physique the FIA.

Ollie Bearman’s scary 191mph crash on the Japanese Grand Prix has introduced security again into the highlight, highlighting issues drivers expressed and predicted relating to dramatic closing pace variations on account of F1’s new energy unit guidelines for 2026.

Whereas Bearman escaped the 50G impression with solely bruising to his proper knee, drivers have referred to as on F1’s rule-makers to tweak the rules on security grounds to keep away from additional huge accidents.

Former F1 driver turned pundit Brundle reckons followers are the “prime precedence” in terms of security.

“It is a huge problem for the FIA as a result of its driver security is sacrosanct. I feel they’re fourth in line by way of priorities,” Brundle instructed the Sky Sports activities F1 Present.

“The highest precedence is the followers as a result of they’re paying to be there. They have not purchased into any factor of danger, they usually need to be protected. Subsequent up are the marshals, the nook employees, as a result of they don’t seem to be being paid to be there, however they assume a component of danger as a result of they’re trackside.

“Subsequent up, for me, are the pitstop crew by way of priorities. And eventually, the drivers. The vehicles are fairly secure. All people’s well being and security is sacrosanct, however the FIA will now need to make a change for Miami as a result of the drivers have voiced this. It’s totally a lot on the market.

“I’d be fairly sure they’ve put that in writing via the Grand Prix Drivers’ Affiliation as effectively. So, if a automobile flies into the gang now they usually have not carried out one thing, proven some due diligence on this, then the FIA can be in for the excessive soar.

“So, they may now need to do one thing and hearken to the drivers. However we’re hamstrung. We have got a motor that seems thrice its electrical energy in comparison with final yr, and the battery depletes in any given first rate straight.

“We’re between a rock and a tough place actually on this as a result of the {hardware} is simply less than it. And we have talked about this for 3 years now. We knew it was going to be like this. That is basically flawed, however I feel they need to be capable of clean a few of these components out.”

F1 groups and the FIA dedicated to creating tweaks to deal with issues in regards to the 2026 guidelines in a primary technical assembly on Thursday.

An announcement issued by the FIA reported “constructive dialogue” relating to potential adjustments to the principles and outlined a timeline for choices to be made.