Martin Brundle Criticizes FIA's Handling of 2026 British Grand Prix Final Laps
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle has raised concerns about the handling of the 2026 British Grand Prix's final laps by the FIA. Brundle questioned the decision to keep the safety car out on track, denying fans a green-flag finish at Silverstone. The race ended under safety car conditions after Max Verstappen's incident, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton pitting while George Russell stayed out.
Brundle expressed disappointment at the lack of a proper end to the race, emphasizing the importance of letting lapped cars through to avoid interference with the leaders. He highlighted the need for a timely restart, especially on longer circuits like Silverstone, to ensure an exciting finish for the fans. Despite the regulations allowing lapped cars to overtake, the safety car remained out until the end, leading to a subdued conclusion.
The FIA later clarified that the race ended under safety car conditions due to a software error, which mistakenly displayed the 'Safety Car In This Lap' message. The unlapping procedure was completed as required by the regulations, with one lap to be run after the process. Brundle's concerns about the handling of the race's final laps shed light on the complexities of race control decisions and the impact on the overall spectacle for fans.