‘We’re fortunate to inhabit a miracle little planet’ – F1 pundit Martin Brundle’s Christmas message to fans

Former F1 driver and now Formula One Commentator Martin Brundle. Picture: MATTHEW USHER

The ex-F1 racer, who is from King's Lynn, took to Twitter to wish fans 'good health and happiness' for 2018.

The former Tyrell, Benetton and Jordan grand prix driver, who now commentates for Sky Sports, told his 648,000 followers: 'We're fortunate to inhabit a miracle little planet in a vast Universe.'

But in a year which has seen multiple terrorist attacks in the UK and abroad, he added: 'So it's crazy and sad some want to hurt and kill others.'

However in a year which has seen the best of humanity as well as the worst, he balanced his comments by saying: 'But there's lots of amazing people and experiences to appreciate too.'

Mr Brundle, who usually keeps his comments to motorsport, got a positive reception from supporters, with many saying: 'Well said' and one saying: 'The most philosophically wise Christmas wish I've read on here to date.'

The former King Edward VII pupil has had an eventful 2017.

He continued to travel the world to commentate on F1 but was dramatically taken ill before he was about to take to the microphone for the British Grand Prix.

Mr Brundle was about to receive an award on the grid for 20 years of broadcasting on the sport from F1 boss Ross Brawn but later Tweeted about being taken ill in Mercedes' hospitality unit.

F1 commentator Martin Brundle at Snetterton race circuit in Norfolk. Picture: IAN BURT (Image: Archant © 2006)

There were fears from some fans that Mr Brundle might have experienced heart trouble, after he revealed earlier this year that he had a minor heart attack during the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix.

In the event he missed another Grand Prix while he recovered and returned to commentate on the remainder of year's races.

After leaving King Edward VII School in Gayton Road, King's Lynn when it was still a grammar school, he worked his way up through junior racing formulae, including Formula Ford and Formula Three, before landing a coveted seat in Formula One in 1984.

From there he embarked on a successful 12-year career during which he drove for top teams such as McLaren and raced legends such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Michael Schumacher.

Ayrton Senna pictured with Martin Brundle at Snetterton Race Circuit in 1983, when they were arch rivals on the track. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY (Image: Archant)