Formula 1 broadcasting is entering a new chapter after veteran reporter Rachel Brookes officially confirmed her departure from Sky Sports ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. The popular presenter, who has become one of the most recognizable faces in the Formula 1 paddock over the past decade, announced that she is leaving the broadcaster with immediate effect after years of covering the sport’s biggest stories.
The announcement prompted an emotional response from colleagues throughout the Sky Sports F1 team, with legendary commentator Martin Brundle leading the tributes. While Brookes is stepping away from her role at Sky, she made it clear that Formula 1 remains close to her heart and that fans have not seen the last of her in the paddock.
Her departure marks the end of an era for Sky Sports’ Formula 1 coverage, which has relied on her reporting and interviews since the broadcaster secured exclusive F1 rights in 2012.
MARTIN BRUNDLE LEADS TRIBUTES TO A RESPECTED COLLEAGUE
Martin Brundle wasted little time in paying tribute after Brookes shared the news on social media.
The former Formula 1 driver praised her professionalism and reflected on the years they spent working together during countless Grand Prix weekends. His message highlighted the respect Brookes earned throughout the paddock, not only from viewers but also from the journalists and former drivers who have worked alongside her.
Brookes responded warmly, thanking Brundle for his support and expressing hope that their professional paths would cross again in the future.
The exchange demonstrated the close-knit atmosphere within Sky Sports’ Formula 1 team, where long-serving members have developed strong professional relationships over many years.
A KEY FIGURE IN SKY SPORTS’ FORMULA 1 COVERAGE
Rachel Brookes has been one of the defining personalities of modern Formula 1 broadcasting.
After joining Sky Sports in 2009, she gradually built her reputation before becoming a permanent fixture of the broadcaster’s Formula 1 coverage when Sky launched its dedicated F1 channel in 2012.
Throughout her career, Brookes became known for conducting pre-race, post-race, and paddock interviews with Formula 1’s biggest stars while also presenting breaking news and feature segments during race weekends.
Her calm interviewing style, detailed knowledge of the sport, and willingness to ask difficult questions made her one of the most trusted reporters in the paddock.
THE JOURNEY THAT STARTED WITH RADIO
Interestingly, television was never Brookes’ original ambition.
Before joining Sky Sports, she worked in radio, fulfilling what she once described as her childhood dream of becoming a radio presenter. An unexpected opportunity at talkSPORT introduced her to on-camera broadcasting, eventually opening the door to a full-time television career.
That path ultimately led her to Sky Sports, where she became one of the broadcaster’s most familiar faces across multiple sports before establishing herself within Formula 1.
Her story serves as a reminder that many successful careers in sports media begin with unexpected opportunities rather than carefully planned routes.
THE MAX VERSTAPPEN INTERVIEW THAT SPARKED CONTROVERSY
Although Brookes’ career has been filled with memorable interviews, one particular exchange with Max Verstappen generated significant attention.
Following a controversial incident involving George Russell during the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Brookes directly asked Verstappen whether the collision had been intentional.
While many journalists later praised her for asking a difficult but legitimate question, the reaction from parts of social media quickly became deeply personal.
Brookes later revealed that she received abusive messages that extended well beyond criticism of her journalism, describing much of the online reaction as horrific.
Despite the experience, she never suggested she regretted asking the question, reinforcing the importance of journalists holding even the sport’s biggest stars accountable.
WHY HER DEPARTURE MATTERS
Formula 1 broadcasting has evolved dramatically over the last decade.
Modern coverage depends heavily on experienced reporters capable of building relationships with drivers while also delivering honest journalism under intense pressure.
Brookes became one of those trusted figures, often serving as the first person drivers faced after emotional victories, painful retirements, or controversial incidents.
Replacing that level of experience is never easy.
As Formula 1 continues expanding into new global markets, broadcasters increasingly rely on respected journalists who understand both the technical side of the sport and the personalities behind the helmets.
WHAT THIS COULD MEAN FOR SKY SPORTS
Although Sky Sports has not announced who will permanently fill Brookes’ role, her departure inevitably raises questions about the broadcaster’s future Formula 1 coverage.
With Formula 1 audiences continuing to grow worldwide and competition among broadcasters becoming stronger, Sky may use this opportunity to refresh parts of its presentation team while maintaining the experienced core that viewers recognize.
Martin Brundle, David Croft, Ted Kravitz, Simon Lazenby, Natalie Pinkham, and Karun Chandhok remain central figures in the broadcaster’s lineup, but introducing fresh talent could become part of Sky’s long-term strategy.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR RACHEL BROOKES?
Brookes has already hinted that her departure from Sky Sports does not signal an exit from Formula 1.
Instead, she described her next move as an exciting opportunity while confirming she still intends to remain involved with the championship.
Given her reputation throughout the paddock, numerous possibilities exist. Broadcasters, digital media platforms, documentary producers, podcasts, and Formula 1’s expanding global media operations all value experienced journalists with strong relationships inside the sport.
Her promise to see fans at Silverstone suggests that an official announcement regarding her next role may arrive sooner rather than later.
A RESPECTED CAREER DESERVES A FITTING SEND-OFF
Rachel Brookes leaves Sky Sports after helping define the broadcaster’s Formula 1 coverage for well over a decade.
Her professionalism, resilience, and dedication earned admiration from colleagues, drivers, and many fans throughout the paddock, even while navigating some of the difficult challenges that come with covering one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Martin Brundle’s heartfelt tribute perfectly captured the respect she commands within Formula 1.
Although one chapter has closed, Brookes’ own comments suggest her story in Formula 1 is far from finished. As the sport continues evolving, her experience and credibility will remain valuable assets wherever her next opportunity takes her.
