Martin Brundle has expressed deep frustration with the current Formula 1 regulations, admitting he has “a bit of a tear in my eye” after witnessing the iconic high-speed corners at Spa-Francorchamps lose their challenge. The Sky F1 broadcaster and former F1 driver made the comments live on Sky Sports F1 ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Engine deployment changes spectacle at Spa and Silverstone
Like at Silverstone two weeks earlier, engine deployment rules have altered the spectacle at the beloved Belgian circuit. Both historic tracks feature world-famous high-speed sections—Maggotts and Becketts at Silverstone, and the fast complex at Spa starting with Eau Rouge and Raidillon before the Kemmel Straight. Drivers complained at the British Grand Prix about how much easier it is to negotiate these sections because the batteries on their cars run out of energy, reducing cornering speeds compared to last season.
At Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, the same issue has made what is usually a highly respected and feared circuit a relative doddle for drivers.
Brundle's emotional reaction
Speaking on the live Sky Sports F1 broadcast, Brundle said: “I think we're all still struggling to understand it, to be honest. I've got a bit of a tear in my eye, because we've lost all the great corners at Silverstone and here we are at Spa with the same situation. These new regulations hurt us on the high-speed circuits.”
He added: “We're doing something about it for '27 and '28 and we have to get rid of this concept as soon as possible, in 2030 or 2031. That aside, this is what we've got and, when I'm out on track on a Friday, wow, they look fast. And when they're side by side and ducking and diving, it looks a lot of fun to watch. But, for now, they've got to get on top of the complexities, and there are a lot of them.”
Upcoming regulatory changes
The changes Brundle referred to were ratified by the World Motor Sport Council in June. Over the next two years, engines will shift from a roughly 50/50 split between combustion and electrical power to something closer to 60/40 in favour of the internal combustion engine (ICE) using sustainable fuel. This reduces reliance on the battery, which should mitigate the power loss cars experience during a lap as the battery drains less quickly.
However, many see this as a stop-gap solution until more widespread changes can be made, likely not until the end of the current regulations cycle in 2030 or 2031.
