After a speeding incident, a former F1 driver has had his license suspended. What exactly happened, and when will he be able to drive again?
Even the most seasoned racers can lose control… of their license. Mark Blundell, former British F1 driver and Le Mans 24 Hours winner, just learned that the hard way. At 59, the man who once raced for McLaren and Ligier has been banned from driving for six months.
Why did this F1 driver temporarily lose his license?
Mark Blundell has always been popular for his speed, but this time, it came at a cost. In late November 2024, they caught him speeding on a Northamptonshire road, an incident that quickly made headlines in the UK.
A speeding offense that didn’t go unnoticed
On November 30, Blundell was driving his Land Rover at 96 mph on a 70-mph stretch near Cold Ashby, along the A14 motorway, in broad daylight. That’s what led to the license suspension for the former F1 driver.
His lawyer, present at the Northamptonshire court hearing, admitted the offense and pleaded guilty on his behalf. As a result, Blundell received a six-month driving ban and five additional penalty points on his record.
More than just a suspended license
Blundell will also have to pay a £1,042 fine, which includes court fees as well. While the case isn’t that serious, it does cast a shadow on the reputation of a man long respected for his professionalism. He is also known for his role as an ambassador of British motorsport.
The former driver has not commented publicly on the court’s decision or the loss of his license. Still, he’ll have to wait several months before getting back behind the wheel. And this time, it will be on public roads instead of racetracks.
Who is Mark Blundell, the sanctioned former F1 driver?
For motorsport fans, Mark Blundell’s name recalls an era when passion often outweighed technology. His career, which spanned nearly two decades, showcased exceptional versatility.
A rich journey across F1, Le Mans, and IndyCar
From 1984 to 2003, the driver who lost his license experienced nearly everything the sport had to offer. He began with Brabham and Tyrrell, then earned podiums with Ligier and McLaren. He also achieved glory at the 1992 Le Mans 24 Hours. And then he won with Peugeot alongside Derek Warwick and Yannick Dalmas.
Blundell contested 61 F1 Grands Prix and won three podium finishes. After that, he crossed the Atlantic to race in CART, the precursor to IndyCar. This long career made him one of the most consistent British drivers of his generation.
Life for the former F1 driver before the license suspension
After hanging up his helmet, Blundell stayed close to motorsport. In 2004, he co-founded 2MB Sports Management. It’s an agency specializing in driver career management. He created it along with his friend and former teammate Martin Brundle.
The company now supports several rising stars in single-seater and endurance championships. Alongside this, Blundell also became a TV motorsport analyst. He also appeared on ITV’s Formula 1 broadcasts in the 2000s.