02 December 2023 , 17:40
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Martin Brundle has been reflecting on this year's Formula 1 season, which saw Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominate once again.
Verstappen romped to a third consecutive world title, ending the season with more than double the points of his nearest challenger Sergio Perez. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, ended up in third as the seven-time world champion improved on last season's disappointing sixth placed finish.
And with this year's campaign now over, Brundle has shared his shock at the fact Verstappen remains unpopular among some fans and that Hamilton has now failed to win a race in two years.
In his latest Sky Sports column, Brundle said: "I like that Max speaks his mind and I've always found him very refreshing to interview, and also simply to chat to in the paddock. He's very direct and honest, what you see is what you get, and he clearly doesn't care all that much what others think.
"I can't help but feel that a little more diplomacy and balance would be more fitting to the legacy he will leave, and after all, we are all only guardians of this great sport as we pass through.
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"Of course, he was feisty and a little wild as a teenager when first racing in F1, but he sorted that out and is mostly a model of calm out on track now, and as fair as anybody else when it comes to hard racing.
"I don't understand why he's still seen as the villain, but the fans will make up their own minds." Brundle also admitted he was 'shocked' by the fact that Hamilton has now gone winless for two full seasons, with his last race win coming at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021.
Martin Brundle has reflected on this year's F1 season (Sky Sports)"It still feels like a shock that you know Lewis hasn't won a race now for two seasons," he said. "I do feel that he's been on fine form, particularly in the second half of the season."
However, Hamilton has already admitted he is concerned that Red Bull and Verstappen will once again dominate the sport next season. Speaking after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton said: ""At this moment, I don't really know [about next year].
"For Red Bull to win by 17 seconds and they haven't developed their car since August is definitely a concern. We have learned a lot about the car and it's just down to the team now. They know what they need to do. Whether or not we will get there, we will see."