A planned transition
After 14 seasons of dedicated Formula 1 coverage and 17 years with the broadcaster, Rachel Brookes has officially departed from the Sky Sports F1 presenting team. The announcement, which occurred ahead of the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, initially caught many viewers by surprise. However, speaking on the Essential F1 podcast following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Brookes clarified that the decision was far from sudden and had been coordinated well in advance.
Brookes emphasized that the transition was managed to ensure continuity for the network. She confirmed that colleague Craig Slater, who has previously filled in for her during absences, including when she was sidelined by appendicitis in Baku, has formally taken over her duties. “It appeared very sudden, but it wasn’t,” Brookes stated. “Craig was ready to step up, and he’ll do a fantastic job.”
Addressing public speculation
In the wake of her departure, social media speculation had suggested that Brookes’ exit was a consequence of online abuse she faced following an interview with Max Verstappen at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. Brookes used her public statements to definitively shut down these rumors. She noted that the incident involving the Red Bull driver was “resolved very quickly” and that she maintains a strong professional relationship with him.
“It was nothing to do with comments and abuse I got online last year at all,” she clarified. “I know a lot of people thought that, and there were some articles written. Absolutely not the case at all.”
Paddock support and future outlook
Reflecting on her time in the sport, Brookes described the Formula 1 paddock as a “family.” Her departure allowed for personal goodbyes with key figures, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Brookes recalled a “lovely” private conversation in Shanghai where Hamilton expressed his support and shared a hug, wishing her well in her future endeavors. Similarly, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc offered a warm gesture of support during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
While her tenure at Sky Sports has concluded, Brookes has indicated that her involvement in Formula 1 is not over. She recently hosted Aston Martin’s ‘The Lawn’ event during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, suggesting she will continue to operate within the F1 ecosystem in new capacities.