Brundle: Hamilton 'not as approachable' as he used to be

Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle says he is "confused" by Lewis Hamilton's demeanor during interviews, feeling the F1 isn't as "approachable" as he used to be.

The former F1 driver has enjoyed many one-on-one interviews with Hamilton over the years. But Brundle has sensed a change recently in the seven-time world champion's disposition, although the Sky F1 commentator admitted that his favourite driver is perhaps growing weary of his off-track duties after 14 years in the sport.

"He is not as approachable as he used to be but he is a global megastar and he is a little bit fatigued by all the demands we have to make on him," Brundle told PA Sport.

"I don’t always feel good when I sit down to interview him. I sometimes feel like saying ‘hey, Lewis, it’s me, we have made a lot of TV together over the years and we have known each other for a long time’.

"I get confused by his initial demeanour. Then I find that he settles down and off we go.

"But who have I had the most enjoyment commentating on? Lewis. Watching him from the first corner of his first lap in Melbourne to winning seven World Championships last year in Turkey has been extraordinary."

• Read also - Brundle: 'Grumpy' Hamilton not super happy with contract talks

As Hamilton heads into his 15th year at the pinnacle of motorsport, Brundle will begin his 25th season in the commentary box, a lengthy career that started with ITV in 1997, passed through the BBC from 2009 to 2011, and has continued since 2012 with Sky Sports.

"I feel lucky I have lasted this long," said the 62-year-old.

"I have always expected a Jenson Button or a David Coulthard or a Mark Webber to come and blow me out of the water, but I’m not sure they are ready to commit to a full season and commit to it the way I do.

"I have just signed a new long-term contract with Sky and it never occurred to me that they will say no, but one day they will.

"I feel slightly shocked and slightly terrified that this is my 25th season but what would Lewis Hamilton say? I feel blessed."

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