Martin Brundle felt ‘trapped’ inside Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 car

Martin Brundle shared his feelings after driving Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes car and compared it with the older generation F1 cars.

Martin Brundle felt ‘trapped’ inside Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes F1 car

Martin Brundle interviewing Lewis Hamilton

F1 pundit and former driver Martin Brundle raced from 1984 to 1996 for several teams, including Williams and McLaren. Recently, he had the opportunity to drive one of Lewis Hamilton‘s latest cars to understand the changes made by Mercedes. Later, Brundle stated that he didn’t feel safe when he was inside Hamilton’s car.

Martin Brundle shared his experience about safety while driving Lewis Hamilton‘s Mercedes. He said that he had the feeling of being trapped inside the car due to its design. The halo device, headrest, and HANS device contributed to this. Brundle noted that while these features enhance safety, they can limit driver comfort.

YouTube video

Hamilton has also complained about his seating position. This may be the major reason for his subpar performances in recent races. The Briton even discussed these problems openly, stating it can be uncomfortable and that it limits his ability to drive at his best.

FS Video

I recently drove one of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes and you’re buried inside the car with the halo and the headrest and the HANS device around your neck. And I didn’t actually feel particularly safe, I felt more trapped.

Martin Brundle said in SkySportsF1‘s Reddit AMA
RELATED
Oscar Piastri recalls ‘most awkward’ cooldown room moment wih Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri

During the era of Ayrton Senna and Brundle, modern safety measures like the halo device and advanced cockpit designs did not exist. This leads drivers to feel more exposed in their cars. Brundle, who drove Senna’s iconic black and gold Lotus Renault turbo, remarked that it offered excellent visibility.

I’ve driven, for example, in Senna’s beautiful black and gold Lotus Renault turbo. And it’s wonderful because you can see everything in front of you, but it’s not very safe.

Martin Brundle added

Martin Brundle compares modern generation cars’ length to the LeMans’ cars

Martin Brundle noted that modern Formula 1 cars are much longer than those he used to race. He compared their length to the endurance cars from Le Mans. Brundle emphasized that the car’s length isn’t the only important factor.

Martin Brundle
Martin Brundle, image via Planet F1

Brundle highlighted the significance of pedals and steering wheel feedback in driving. This helps drivers understand how the car responds. The predictability of the car’s behavior is also crucial for control.

The cars are so long, they’re much longer than I used to race in Formula 1, they’re probably more akin to the cars I raced in Le Mans. But it’s the pedals. It’s the steering wheel, it’s the feedback from the car on how linear everything is that matters as well.

Martin Brundle explained
RELATED
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem pinpoints key challenge in expanding F1’s calendar to 25 races
Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)

Brundle’s insights reflect the evolution of F1 technology. He recalled how previous generation cars had limited safety features, making them feel more dangerous to drive.