Rachel Brookes addresses Sky F1 exit rumors and predicts Verstappen to Mercedes

Rachel Brookes shut down speculation that online abuse from a 2025 Max Verstappen interview pushed her out of Sky Sports F1, insisting the issue was resolved swiftly and her relationship with the Dutchman remains solid. In her first extended comments since leaving the broadcaster last month, the veteran presenter also made a firm prediction: Verstappen is headed to Mercedes to partner Kimi Antonelli, not staying at Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Brookes' departure triggered whispers that the fallout from her Barcelona 2025 interview played a role, but her denial refocuses attention on her paddock credibility. Her Mercedes tip cuts against the prevailing McLaren rumor mill and frames the second half of 2026 as a potentially seismic silly season, with one of F1's biggest stars weighing a move elsewhere.

The details:

• On the Essential F1 podcast, Brookes said her exit was "absolutely nothing to do with" past abuse, noting she enjoys a "great relationship" with Verstappen.
• She argued Verstappen is searching for a winning car because dragging a sixth-place machine to podiums is no longer enough for a driver accustomed to championships.
• Brookes predicted Verstappen would replace George Russell alongside Antonelli at Mercedes, claiming Toto Wolff still harbors regret over missing the four-time champion in prior negotiations.
• Despite Wolff's stated contentment with his current duo, Brookes believes Wolff would view poaching Verstappen from Red Bull as a "massive coup."
• Red Bull's Laurent Mekies pushed back by reaffirming Verstappen's desire to stay, provided the team gives him a car capable of contending for wins.

What's next:

The summer break will only intensify questions surrounding Verstappen's future. With the Dutchman sitting outside the title fight and a performance clause lurking in his Red Bull contract, the paddock will parse every upgrade and every public comment from Toto Wolff. Should Brookes' forecast prove accurate, Mercedes would field a generational pairing while Red Bull faces the unthinkable prospect of life without its franchise driver.