Sky Sports reporter Rachel Brookes leaves after 14 years

Longtime Formula 1 reporter Rachel Brookes has left Sky Sports after 14 years with the broadcaster, announcing her departure just days before this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. Brookes confirmed the news on social media on Wednesday, June 24, stating she is moving on to new ventures but will remain involved in the sport.

Her exit follows closely after she publicly detailed the severe online abuse she received following a post-race interview with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. In that interview, Brookes asked Verstappen if his collision with Mercedes driver George Russell, for which Verstappen received a penalty, had been deliberate. While colleagues in broadcasting praised her for asking a tough question, she faced a torrent of abuse from some fans on social media.

Brookes described receiving messages telling her she should never have children and other horrific comments, which led her to temporarily disable comments on her Instagram account. She reflected on the disproportionate reaction, noting that many of the abusive profiles belonged to people presenting themselves as family men. "Take a step back. It's a Formula 1 race. It's a sport," she...