Martin Brundle, the former racing driver and renowned commentator, boasts an impressive net worth of $100 million. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through a multifaceted career in motorsports. Brundle’s success as a Formula One driver, including victories in prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has contributed significantly to his financial standing.
Besides, his esteemed career as a commentator for television channels like ITV Sport, the BBC, and Sky Sports has bolstered his earnings. Beyond his racing and commentary work, Brundle has also been involved in driver management and other ventures, further adding to his net worth.
Through his achievements and diverse professional pursuits, Martin Brundle has established himself as a wealthy figure in the racing world.
Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:
| Name: | Martin Brundle |
| Net Worth: | $100 Million |
| Monthly Income: | $100 Thousand |
| Annual Salary: | $20 Million |
| Source of Wealth: | Race car driver |
Learn more: Richest Race Car Drivers in the World
Table of Contents
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 1, 1959, in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, Martin Brundle developed a passion for racing at a young age. At just 12 years old, he embarked on his racing journey, starting with grass track racing. As his skills grew, Brundle transitioned to Hot Rod racing before making his mark in single-seater racing in 1979. His talent and determination were evident from the start.
In 1980, Brundle joined Tom Walkinshaw’s BMW touring cars and went on to win the BMW championship, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on different racing platforms.
Two years later, he made his move to Formula Three, where he impressed with five pole positions and two victories during his debut season. In 1983, Brundle found himself competing against the iconic Ayrton Senna in the Formula Three championship, narrowly missing out on the title in the final race.
Formula One Career and Achievements
Brundle’s breakthrough into the pinnacle of motorsports, Formula One, came in 1984 when he joined the Tyrrell Racing Organisation. He displayed his talent by finishing fifth in his debut race in Brazil and securing a remarkable second-place finish in Detroit. Unfortunately, a devastating crash during practice for the Dallas Grand Prix left him with permanent injuries, including broken ankles and feet, impairing his ability to use left-foot braking effectively.
Despite the setback, Brundle persisted and continued with Tyrrell for the following two seasons. However, the team faced disqualification from the World Championship in 1984 due to a technical violation, erasing Brundle’s achievements from the record books. In 1987, he moved to the Zakspeed team, where he secured only two points during the season.
In 1988, Brundle decided to take a hiatus from Formula One and ventured into the World Sportscar Championship with Jaguar. This move proved to be a stroke of brilliance as he clinched the championship title with a record points score. That same year, Brundle’s success continued when he triumphed at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Brundle returned to Formula One in 1989, joining the Brabham team. While the season was challenging for the team, the following year brought glory to Brundle as he emerged victorious once again at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1990. In 1992, he joined the Benetton team, enjoying a strong season before moving on to Ligier in 1993. Despite the team’s struggles, Brundle showcased his skills by securing a remarkable third-place finish at Imola, even driving a car without active suspension.
In 1994, Brundle had a brief stint with McLaren, highlighted by a second-place finish at the renowned Monaco Grand Prix. He returned to Ligier in 1995, achieving a fourth-place finish at Magny-Cours and another podium finish at Spa.
The following year, Brundle partnered with Rubens Barrichello at Jordan, where they had a solid season, including a fifth-place finish at the Japanese Grand Prix. Brundle concluded his Formula One career with nine podium finishes and a total of 98 championship points.
Transition to Commentary and Other Ventures
Following his retirement from competitive racing, Brundle shifted gears and embarked on a successful career as a commentator. In 1997, he joined the British television network ITV as part of its Formula One coverage. His insightful analysis, wealth of experience, and articulate commentary quickly made him a fan favorite.
After leaving ITV in 2008, Brundle joined the BBC’s commentary team alongside Jonathan Legard. In 2012, he made the move to Sky Sports, where he partnered with David Croft. Brundle’s expertise and charismatic presence behind the microphone earned him numerous accolades, including the RTS Television Sports Award for Best Sports Pundit in 1998, 1999, 2005, and 2006.
Brundle also delved into driver management, overseeing the career of David Coulthard and co-owning the management company 2MB Sports Management with Mark Blundell. Furthermore, together with his racing driver brother Robin, Brundle took charge of their father’s car dealership. However, the business eventually closed its doors in 2003.
Brundle’s passion for motorsports extends beyond his own career and commentary. In 2004, he published his first book, “Working the Wheel,” which provided valuable insights into the world of racing. He later released “The Martin Brundle Scrapbook,” an autobiography that intertwined his life story with news clippings, photographs, and mementos.
Personal Life and Legacy
Martin Brundle’s personal life revolves around his family. He is married to Liz Brundle, and together they have a son named Alex and a daughter named Charlie. Alex, following in his father’s footsteps, has ventured into racing and has participated in the GP3 Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Throughout his illustrious career, Brundle has maintained a strong connection to his roots. He has always resided within a 10-mile radius of his hometown of King’s Lynn, settling in Gayton. This connection to his hometown and the broader racing community has endeared Brundle to fans around the world.
Martin Brundle Quotes
“There’s been a lot of calls this last five years to ban all Germans in red cars—they’ll be wanting to ban Spaniards in blue cars next.”
“I never used to read that lollipop—you don’t actually sit there and go, ‘Oh, right, OK, brake,’ and ‘I’d better put a gear in.’ I don’t know why it’s on there really.”
“No doubt there’ll be a bit of blue sky and some sunshine any time soon for Michael Schumacher’s lap—that’s how it normally works out, doesn’t it?”
“With that sort of dexterity, I reckon Alonso could get a job driving a transit van round the M25.”
“The Racing Drivers’ Book of Excuses has already gone to print for this year.”