Sky Sports Formula 1 is preparing for a major change after long-serving presenter and reporter Rachel Brookes officially announced her departure from the broadcaster following more than a decade covering the sport. The respected journalist confirmed she has left Sky Sports with immediate effect, ending a 17-year journey with the company that saw her become one of the most recognizable faces in Formula 1 broadcasting.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of support from colleagues across the paddock, with some of Sky Sports F1’s biggest names—including Martin Brundle, David Croft, Simon Lazenby, Karun Chandhok, and Harry Benjamin—publicly paying tribute to Brookes and wishing her success in the next chapter of her career.
While Brookes has stepped away from Sky’s coverage, she reassured Formula 1 fans that she is not leaving the sport entirely, hinting that exciting new projects are already on the horizon.
MARTIN BRUNDLE LEADS THE TRIBUTES
Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle was among the first to publicly acknowledge Brookes’ departure, praising her professionalism and dedication throughout their years working together.
Brundle described it as a pleasure to share the Sky Sports F1 platform with Brookes, highlighting the professionalism that made her such a respected member of the broadcasting team.
Brookes responded warmly, thanking Brundle and expressing hope that their professional paths would cross again in the future.
The exchange reflected the mutual respect that has existed between two journalists who have helped shape Formula 1 television coverage for millions of viewers worldwide.
DAVID CROFT AND SKY COLLEAGUES SAY GOODBYE
Lead commentator David Croft also joined the growing list of tributes, admitting the Sky Sports F1 team would miss one of its longest-serving members.
Presenter Simon Lazenby echoed similar sentiments, while former Formula 1 driver and analyst Karun Chandhok joked that he would miss seeing Brookes during race weekends around the world.
Harry Benjamin, who regularly steps into the commentary booth alongside Croft, also wished Brookes well, suggesting her involvement in Formula 1 is far from over.
The overwhelming support demonstrated just how highly regarded Brookes has become within the Formula 1 broadcasting community.
A CAREER THAT HELPED DEFINE SKY SPORTS F1
Rachel Brookes joined Sky Sports’ Formula 1 coverage when the broadcaster launched its dedicated F1 channel in 2012.
Over the following years, she established herself as one of the paddock’s most trusted reporters, conducting countless interviews with drivers, team principals, and senior FIA officials.
Her calm interviewing style, deep knowledge of the sport, and willingness to ask difficult questions earned respect throughout Formula 1—even if those moments occasionally generated controversy among passionate fans.
She became an integral part of Sky’s race weekend programming, helping bridge the gap between viewers and the personalities inside the paddock.
THE VERSTAPPEN INTERVIEW THAT SPARKED CONTROVERSY
One of the defining moments of Brookes’ career came following an intense on-track incident involving Max Verstappen.
After asking the Red Bull driver a direct question regarding the controversial collision, Brookes found herself subjected to a wave of online abuse from sections of social media.
She later revealed that the messages became deeply personal and crossed well beyond acceptable criticism of a journalist performing her job.
Rather than focusing solely on her interview, many online users launched personal attacks that she later described as “horrific.”
Despite the experience, Brookes consistently maintained that she had no personal issue with Verstappen and was simply fulfilling her responsibility as a journalist by asking the question many viewers wanted answered.
WHY HER DEPARTURE MATTERS
Formula 1 broadcasting has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and journalists like Brookes have played a significant role in bringing fans closer to the action.
Modern Formula 1 coverage extends far beyond race commentary. Reporters now provide real-time updates from the paddock, conduct immediate post-session interviews, and often become the first people drivers speak to after emotionally charged races.
That responsibility requires professionalism, composure, and credibility—qualities Brookes consistently demonstrated throughout her time at Sky Sports.
Replacing that experience will not be straightforward.
FORMULA 1 BROADCASTING CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
Brookes’ departure also reflects the changing nature of Formula 1 media.
As the championship’s global audience continues expanding, broadcasters are constantly refreshing coverage, introducing new formats, and adapting to changing viewing habits across television and digital platforms.
Sky Sports has indicated that its Formula 1 coverage will continue evolving, while Brookes herself suggested she will remain involved within the sport through future projects.
That means Formula 1 fans may not have seen the last of one of the paddock’s most familiar voices.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR RACHEL BROOKES
Although Brookes has yet to reveal her next destination, her comments strongly suggest she intends to remain connected to Formula 1.
With her extensive experience, strong relationships throughout the paddock, and respected reputation among teams and drivers, opportunities across television, digital media, documentaries, podcasts, or Formula 1’s growing international broadcasting network are likely to be plentiful.
Silverstone could provide the first clues about her future, with Brookes already hinting she expects to be present during the British Grand Prix weekend.
A RESPECTED FIGURE LEAVES SKY—BUT NOT FORMULA 1
Rachel Brookes’ departure marks the end of an important chapter for Sky Sports Formula 1, but it is unlikely to mark the end of her contribution to the sport.
The heartfelt messages from Martin Brundle, David Croft, and the wider Sky team underline the impact she made during more than a decade covering Formula 1’s biggest moments.
As Formula 1 continues growing globally, experienced journalists remain essential in telling the stories behind the racing. Brookes has built a reputation as one of those trusted voices, and wherever she appears next, many fans will undoubtedly follow.
For Sky Sports, replacing that combination of experience, credibility, and paddock relationships will be a significant challenge. For Formula 1 itself, however, it appears Rachel Brookes’ story is far from over.
