In the wake of Dilano van ‘t Hoff’s tragic passing at Spa, former racing driver Martin Brundle has delivered a candid message to his fellow drivers, emphasizing the importance of accepting the inherent dangers in their profession. Brundle asserts that if fear takes hold while inside the cockpit, it might be the sign to step away from the car altogether.
As the Belgian Grand Prix returned to the circuit less than a month after the heartbreaking incident, safety has become a paramount concern for everyone involved.
The motorsport community is grappling with ongoing discussions surrounding safety, with heightened awareness and measures being taken to enhance driver protection.
Amid these debates, Martin Brundle maintains that embracing the element of danger is an integral aspect of Formula 1 driving.
“You just have to accept it, you need to mind manage and realise that you might be injured, paralysed or killed in a racing car, and that’s racing cars of all types of speed,” said the Sky Sports F1 commentator.
“It’s a dangerous business when you put a group of cars and competitive people together and reward the top three.
“It’s what it’s all about. The nub of my piece is either you need a 90 degree left-hander at the foot of the hill, or you want fast corners and to have the thrill of this in motorsport and the danger that goes with it.
While acknowledging the importance of continuous improvements in safety standards, Brundle’s perspective serves as a poignant reminder that racing at the pinnacle of motorsport involves inherent risks, and drivers must confront this reality with courage and resolve.
“But then people get injured and die in other categories in hairpins and chicanes as well, it’s a dangerous business so when you drive the car you need to understand that, and you’re not scared because you’ve mind managed it.
“When you can’t see where you’re going on a rainy day like yesterday, when you push the throttle a little bit harder, you know you still want to do it, when you lift off because you’re scared, you have to get out the car.”
