Martin Brundle admits he’s so happy one F1 driver is still on the grid this season

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Martin Brundle has admitted he’s delighted that Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso is still on the grid this season.

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Podcast, Brundle was reviewing the latest race on the Formula 1 calendar.

Max Verstappen produced another stellar performance to take the win in Miami.

Despite starting in ninth place, the flying Dutchman had little trouble taking victory over Sergio Perez.

Verstappen ended up with the superior strategy starting on the hard tyres, unlike his main rivals.

He managed his race exceptionally well and breezed past Sergio Perez after his only pit stop.

However, Martin Brundle was still keen to point out how important Fernando Alonso has been this season.

His move to Aston Martin couldn’t have been timed any better.

Taking over from fellow World Champion Sebastian Vettel, the team have delivered an incredibly competitive car.

Without the veteran Spaniard, the Red Bulls would have no competition whatsoever.

Brundle glad to have Alonso around this season

Asked about whether the racing this season has been worse or less close than last year, Brundle said: “I don’t think it’s that, I think it’s lack of competition.

“Mercedes for whatever reason just decided to stick with something that didn’t work last year.

“Ferrari have stepped on their own tails. Thank goodness for Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso I would say.

“Red Bull have just got it even more right. Red Bull is a genius car particularly with the rear wing open.”

Alonso found remarkable pace in his Aston Martin from the very first race.

The 41-year-old has finished on the podium in four of the first races of the season.

In Azerbaijan, he fell to a disappointing fourth and is feasibly the only person who could challenge the Red Bulls this year.

Brundle’s disappointment in Mercedes and Ferrari this season will be shared by many, but certainly not Alonso.

He’ll want to take advantage of their struggles before they bring any upgrades to the track.

Even if they do, there’s nothing to say Aston Martin won’t continue to open the gap on their rivals.