Rachel Brookes departs Sky Sports F1 after more than a decade

Rachel Brookes has announced her departure from Sky Sports F1 after more than a decade with the broadcaster, confirming she is moving on to new ventures while remaining committed to the sport she has covered extensively. The experienced presenter has been a fixture of the UK broadcaster's F1 coverage since it took over rights in 2012, becoming a familiar and respected face in the paddock media pen.

Why it matters:

Brookes' exit marks the end of a significant era for Sky Sports F1, where she served as a vital link between fans and the sport's biggest personalities. Her ability to navigate high-pressure, emotionally charged interviews immediately after races earned her respect across the paddock, making her departure a notable loss for the network's coverage.

The details:

• Brookes joined Sky in 2009 and transitioned to regular F1 coverage when the broadcaster acquired UK rights from the BBC ahead of the 2012 season.
• She established herself as a key figure in the media pen, interviewing drivers and team principals during the rawest and most immediate moments of a grand prix weekend.
• High-pressure moments: Brookes previously spoke about the challenge of confronting drivers immediately after setbacks, noting they must face the world's media while still processing difficult outcomes.
• The Verstappen exchange: She received online abuse following a tense interview with Max Verstappen in Spain last year, where she asked if his contact with George Russell was deliberate—a question she defended as necessary for the fans.
• Respectful approach: Despite the intensity, Brookes stressed that difficult questions are designed to elicit answers for viewers and give drivers a right of reply, always aiming to end interviews on a positive note.
• Earlier this year, she released her first book, F1 Racing: Drive, offering behind-the-scenes insight into teams, drivers, and personalities.

What's next:

Brookes hinted at "exciting new ventures" but has yet to reveal specifics, confirming F1 still has her heart and that she will remain a familiar presence in the paddock. She told fans to look out for her at Silverstone, signaling her journey in the sport will continue even as her chapter with Sky comes to a close.