Former Red Bull F1 Star Slams Sky F1 Commentator for ‘Absurd’ Brake Testing Advice
A former Red Bull Formula 1 mechanic, Calum Nicholas, has caused a stir with his recent public criticism of comments made by Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle during the qualifying session at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The 36-year-old, known for his appearances in the popular Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” may no longer be working in the Red Bull garage, but he still holds a position as an ambassador for the team and remains deeply involved in the world of Formula 1.
During Saturday’s qualifying session in Jeddah, Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen impressed by clinching pole position, outperforming McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. However, it was a remark made by Martin Brundle regarding a potential brake testing incident that caught Nicholas’s attention. Brundle suggested that he would have brake tested Fernando Alonso if he were in Jack Doohan’s position during the session, a statement that did not sit well with Nicholas.
Taking to social media, Nicholas expressed his disagreement with Brundle’s comment, labeling it as “absurd” for an ex-driver to make such a suggestion. The incident in question occurred as Alonso tried to benefit from Doohan’s slipstream during the first segment of qualifying, ultimately leading to Alonso advancing to Q2 while Doohan had to settle for P17 on the grid. Neither driver managed to score points in Sunday’s race.
Nicholas’s outspoken criticism of Brundle’s remarks has stirred up controversy in the F1 community, with fans and experts alike weighing in on the debate. As tensions rise and opinions clash, the fallout from this incident is sure to have lasting repercussions in the world of Formula 1.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the F1 season unfolds.