Martin Brundle says two drivers were ‘painful to watch’ at the Brazilian GP

Follow us on Google Discover

Martin Brundle has admitted it wasn’t easy to watch both Mercedes drivers struggling at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last weekend.

Brundle was writing for Sky Sports after a dramatic three days of action at Interlagos.

Max Verstappen came out on top as is so often the case in 2023.

He completed a Sprint Race and Sunday race double with Lando Norris finishing runner-up to him twice.

The Dutchman was quick to praise his rival at the weekend but denied him his first Formula 1 win.

It was a mixed weekend in Brazil for several drivers though and Martin Brundle was particularly worried about the Mercedes pair.

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be very glad to see the back of Brazil.

Their car simply wasn’t suited to the track and the conditions and they watched teams who have been miles off their pace all season race past them on Sunday.

The conditions were so difficult for the pair that Russell wasn’t even able to finish the race.

They’ll be hoping that the much chillier weather expected in Las Vegas in two weeks suits them much better.

Brundle laments Mercedes drivers in Brazil

Speaking about the British pair, Brundle said: “It wasn’t a classic race by any means, both Mercedes’ of Hamilton and Russell continuing their poor race pace of Saturday, but for three times as long and it was painful to watch.

“They eventually retired Russell, and Hamilton grabbed a few points in eighth place.”

While commentating on the race, Brundle admitted he felt sorry for George Russell.

He was initially faster than Hamilton but was told to give his more senior teammate time despite the pressure he was under from Sergio Perez and co.

Hamilton was eventually brought into the pits but wasn’t happy with the strategy his team suggested for him.

Brundle’s feelings on the Mercedes team will be echoed by the two drivers and Hamilton has already suggested he can’t wait until he never has to drive this version of the car ever again.

Hamilton’s chances of catching Sergio Perez in the driver’s standings have all but faded unless he can somehow record back-to-back victories.

The championship is a write-off for Russell already but they need to make sure they protect their 20-point gap to Ferrari to claim second in the Constructors’ Championship.