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Martin Brundle and F1 Community Celebrate Louise Goodman's Retirement

Martin Brundle and other motorsport figures have paid tribute to Louise Goodman, who retired after the 2026 British Touring Car Championship. Goodman, a pioneer for women in motorsport, received praise for her impactful career in both F1 and BTCC.

Martin Brundle has been at the forefront of tributes to Louise Goodman, who recently retired following the final round of the 2026 British Touring Car Championship. Goodman, a notable figure in motorsport journalism, has been celebrated for her groundbreaking role for women in the industry.

Goodman became a staple of British F1 broadcasting when the rights transitioned from the BBC to ITV in 1997. Brundle, having retired from F1 racing in 1996, joined her in this new broadcasting venture. While Brundle continued his career in the commentary booth, Goodman, who began her motorsport journey as a press officer for Leyton House in 1988 and later joined Jordan in 1992, remained with ITV before shifting her focus to the BTCC.

Since joining the Touring Car Championship in 2009, Goodman has been a familiar presence in the paddock. Her retirement coincided with Ash Sutton's celebration of his fifth Drivers’ title. Throughout the weekend, tributes poured in for Goodman, with Brundle expressing his admiration.

“From Singapore to Brands Hatch, congratulations, Lou, on all you’ve achieved in the BTCC,” Brundle remarked. “Working with you at Jordan in ’96 and then at F1 ITV was a pleasure. You’ve done so much for motorsport and particularly for young people and women in the sport. I’m really proud of you, and I hope we see you more in Formula 1.”

Goodman, who made appearances in the F1 paddock over the years, most recently at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, stepped away from full-time F1 broadcasting in 2008, just before Jenson Button's championship win. Button himself shared fond memories, saying, “Louise, I hear you’re retiring. Congratulations on an amazing career. You were there when I started in F1 in 2000. We've had some great times, like celebrating your 40th birthday in a German airport. Enjoy your retirement, and don’t be a stranger.”

Goodman is the second major media personality to leave the BTCC paddock this year, following former F1 presenter Steve Rider. Having joined the ITV F1 team in 2006, Rider and Goodman shared the screen until his retirement earlier this year.

Reflecting on Goodman's career, Rider said, “Lou, you were such a part of the Touring Car family. Over the last 40 years, you’ve done more to advance opportunities for women in motorsport journalism and broadcasting. An absolutely fantastic career, and I’m sure it’s not over. I look forward to whatever you do next.”