F1: Brundle was happy to see Verstappen forced to start 15th

Martin Brundle has written that he was “quietly pleased” to see drive shaft issues force Max Verstappen to start the Saudi Arabian GP from P15 to spice up the show.

“In the end, it was another show of total domination by Red Bull in Jeddah,” Brundle said in his post-Saudi Arabian GP column for Sky Sports.

“I have to be honest and say that when Max Verstappen had a driveshaft problem in qualifying meaning that he would start 15th on the grid, I was quietly pleased, relieved, and energized.

“Nothing against Max and his incredible talent, but at least we would have something to look forward to on race day.

“With Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari also somewhat shockingly taking a grid penalty in just the second round of a 23-race season – for exceeding electronic control unit allowances – and starting down in 12th, there was guaranteed to be some movement.”

It also gave Verstappen’s hoards of fans another opportunity to watch the Dutchman pass and school rival Lewis Hamilton.

You could hear the cheers from across the pond.