Rachel Brookes lands new job before Dutch GP after shock Sky Sports exit
Rachel Brookes has landed a new job almost two months on from her shock Sky Sports exit.
Despite being part of Sky Sports’ Formula 1 coverage during the early part of the 2026 campaign, Brookes announced she would be leaving the company in June, bringing a 17-year association with the broadcaster to an end.
Brookes first began working as a freelance reporter at Sky back in 2009 before forming part of the company’s F1 team when they won the TV rights from the BBC three years later.
The Brit was much-loved by fans for her trackside interviews and ability to ask drivers tough questions.
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However, before June’s Austrian Grand Prix, Brookes took to social media to announce her surprise exit, writing: “After many years at Sky, I am moving on to exciting new ventures and looking forward to what comes next.
“I have left the Sky F1 team, but F1 still has my heart, so I'll still be involved in it. I'll keep you posted.”
The 51-year-old’s exit was addressed by Sky Sports in a later statement, with the broadcaster wishing her well in “new endeavours”, although there was no mention of why the decision was made.
This prompted rumours that her decision to leave was influenced by abuse she received following an interview with Max Verstappen after he received a 10-second penalty for colliding with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
Brookes asked the Red Bull driver whether he had intentionally contacted Russell, to which he replied: “Does it matter?”
Speaking on the Road to Success podcast, she discussed the incident and the “horrific” abuse that followed.
“The social media side of it was horrendous,” Brookes explained. “I got people telling me I should never be able to have children because I'm a bad example. I got the most horrific stuff you could imagine.”
But Brookes later addressed the rumours, making clear the decision to leave Sky “had nothing to do with the abuse I got online”.
Rachel Brookes lands new role after Sky Sports exit
And just under two months on from her decision to leave Sky, Brookes has landed a new role working as part of Motorsport Speakers’ roster.
“We’re delighted to announce that Motorsport to Business is now working with former Sky Sports F1 broadcaster and author Rachel Brookes - as she joins our Motorsport Speakers roster,” read a social media announcement.
“Rachel has spent years at the heart of Formula 1, bringing the stories, personalities and pressures of the sport to audiences around the world.
“Drawing on that incredible experience, Rachel is also the author of F1 Racing: Drive: The Secrets to Formula One Success - exploring what it really takes to succeed at the very highest level of motorsport.
“We’re really excited to be working with Rachel and introducing her to our clients for keynote speaking, fireside conversations, conferences and corporate events.
“Her experiences within Formula One give her a fascinating perspective on performance, resilience, communication, teamwork and succeeding under pressure - and, crucially, how lessons from the F1 paddock can be applied in the world of business.”
F1 returns later this month, with the Dutch Grand Prix scheduled for August 23.
Topics: Sky Sports, Formula 1
Luke Davies