Rachel Brookes departs Sky Sports F1 after 17 years with immediate effect

Rachel Brookes, one of the most recognisable faces of Formula 1 broadcasting in the United Kingdom, has left Sky Sports with immediate effect after 17 years at the company.

Brookes joined Sky in 2009 and became a central figure in its F1 coverage from 2012, when the broadcaster first secured UK rights to the championship. She was best known for her work in the media pen, conducting post-session and post-race interviews with drivers at grands prix around the world.

Confirming her departure on social media, Brookes wrote: “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 and so I’ll still be involved in it. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, see you at Silverstone!”

The message suggests Brookes has not stepped away from the sport entirely, with her reference to Silverstone indicating she plans to attend next week’s British Grand Prix in some capacity.

Sky’s relationship with Formula 1 in the UK has deepened significantly since it first obtained full-season rights in 2012, a deal that pushed the BBC to broadcasting only half the rounds. The BBC later transferred its remaining rights to Channel 4 in 2016, an arrangement that ran until 2018. Since 2019, the free-to-air slot has been limited to the British Grand Prix alone.

Sky recently extended its UK broadcasting deal through at least 2034, underlining its long-term commitment to the sport. Its Italian rights contract currently runs until 2032.

Brookes has not announced what her next role will be, but her indication that she intends to remain present in the F1 paddock suggests a move to another outlet or platform within the sport rather than a full exit from motorsport media.