Jenson Button addresses Martin Brundle F1 replacement speculation

Jenson Button has addressed speculation that he is being lined up to replace Martin Brundle in the Sky Sports Formula 1 commentary booth.

Brundle has been a fixture of the British F1 coverage since 1997, commentating alongside the likes of Murray Walker, James Allen, and David Croft, but his attendance at grand prix weekends has reduced in recent years, with former drivers Anthony Davidson and Jenson Button serving as replacements in China and Japan, respectively.

2009 champion Button's performance was met with widespread praise, with his in-depth knowledge and commentary style not dissimilar from Brundle's, a factor that led to rapid speculation that he was being lined up as a full-time replacement.

Moving quickly to dispel these rumours, Button wrote on social media: "I am not positioned to replace Martin, he’s the man when it comes to commentary and insights. As much as I love jumping in when Martin is taking a well-deserved break, I wouldn’t want to do more as I’ve got enough going on!"

Button's comments come after Brundle addressed the issue himself earlier on Monday, writing: "Utter clickbait nonsense Margaret (who had asked about the situation), don’t be concerned. I’ve done 16 races per year for a good while now and continue to do so. In fact, with the cancellations, I am at 15 of the remaining 19 races this season, subject to world events, of course, as always."

Last year, Brundle featured in the commentary box at 16 of the 24 grand prix weekends, missing Japan, Imola, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Mexico City, and Las Vegas.

Former driver Brundle has missed two of the opening three rounds this term, attending only the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. He will return for the Miami Grand Prix and has made no indication that he is looking to slow down further any time soon.

Button and Davidson are far from the only former drivers to have stood in for Brundle in recent times, with 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve, Karun Chandhok, and 2016 champion Nico Rosberg having held the microphone.

Such are the demands of the calendar, that lead commentator Croft has stepped back his attendance recently, missing three events in 2025, and having a similar plan in place for the current campaign.