Jonas Leo
Former Sky Sports Formula 1 presenter Rachel Brookes has provided an in-depth account of her departure from the prominent broadcaster, shedding light on the supportive and emotional reactions she encountered from key figures within the sport, notably seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. Brookes’ exit, which concluded a distinguished 14-year career spanning the Formula 1 paddock, occurred ahead of June’s Austrian Grand Prix. While the announcement prompted widespread surprise among the viewing public due to its mid-season timing, Brookes has since clarified that the transition was a carefully managed process behind the scenes, far from the abrupt perception it generated.
Speaking on the Essential F1 podcast, Brookes elaborated on the nature of her departure, emphasizing that she was afforded the opportunity to bid a proper farewell to the many individuals she had worked alongside for over a decade. "It appeared very sudden, but it wasn’t," Brookes revealed during the interview. "I had a chance to say goodbye to people in the paddock, to people I’ve worked with, teams and drivers." This methodical approach to her exit allowed for personal interactions that underscored the deep connections forged within the often intense and fast-paced environment of Formula 1.
Among the most poignant of these farewells was a private exchange with Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, a monumental figure in motorsport with a record seven World Championships, is currently in his second season with Scuderia Ferrari, having made a highly anticipated move to the Italian outfit for the 2025 season. As of the time of Brookes’ departure in mid-2026, Hamilton was enjoying a "resurgent 2026 campaign" with Ferrari, holding a strong second position in the Drivers’ Standings. This strong performance indicates a significant upturn for the Maranello-based team, potentially placing them firmly in contention for the Constructors’ Championship, a title they last secured in 2008. Hamilton’s career, marked by an unprecedented 103 Grand Prix victories and 104 pole positions, has seen him transition from a dominant era with Mercedes to a new chapter with Ferrari, a move that captivated the motorsport world.
Brookes recounted her interaction with Hamilton: "I actually had a chance to say goodbye to Lewis," she added. "I had a lovely chat with Lewis and got some time with him to have a conversation. He was, as you would imagine, really, really lovely, very supportive." While Brookes opted not to disclose the full details of their conversation, maintaining the privacy of the exchange, she did convey the profound warmth and encouragement offered by the British driver. "I won’t divulge everything that was said, but it was caught by some photographers. There’s a lovely photo at the end of it where he gives me a massive hug, and he says, ‘I hope I see you back in the paddock soon.’" This public display of affection and support from a driver of Hamilton’s stature not only highlights his personal regard for Brookes but also illustrates the camaraderie that often develops between media professionals and athletes within the close confines of the F1 paddock.
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Another notable and emotionally charged farewell came from Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver, a formidable talent within Formula 1, is a key component of Ferrari’s current setup alongside Hamilton. In the 2026 season, Leclerc’s performance would logically be contributing to Ferrari’s strong showing, complementing Hamilton’s efforts in their quest for championship glory. Leclerc, known for his raw speed and passionate driving, has secured multiple Grand Prix victories and pole positions throughout his career with Ferrari, establishing himself as one of the sport’s leading drivers. Brookes recalled the moment during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend: "Charles had just finished his written interviews and was just walking back out. I was just stood by my camera, and he came up and just gave me the biggest hug. Didn’t say a word, just gave me the biggest hug. So obviously someone had told him, and I just said thank you and he left." This silent, yet powerful, gesture from Leclerc further underscored the personal impact Brookes had made during her extensive time within the sport.
Brookes’ experience extended beyond these individual encounters, with other drivers who were unable to say goodbye in person sending thoughtful video messages. This collective response from the driver community reinforced Brookes’ long-held belief that the Formula 1 paddock operates as "one big family." This sentiment is often echoed by those who spend significant time immersed in the sport, where intense competition on track is frequently balanced by a strong sense of community and mutual respect off it, fostered by shared experiences of global travel, high-pressure environments, and dedication to a common passion. The longevity of her career, spanning over a decade and a half, undoubtedly allowed her to build these deep-seated relationships across teams and generations of drivers.
During her podcast appearance, Brookes also took the opportunity to directly address and refute persistent online speculation regarding the reasons for her departure. Rumours had suggested her exit was potentially linked to a social media backlash that followed an interview she conducted with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen last year. Verstappen, by 2026, is recognized as a four-time World Champion, a testament to his dominant period with Red Bull Racing, which saw him secure titles in rapid succession. His aggressive driving style and unparalleled consistency have cemented his status as one of the sport’s most successful figures. Brookes firmly debunked these claims, stating that the issue surrounding the interview was "resolved very quickly" and unequivocally affirming that she maintains "a great relationship" with the Dutch champion. This clarification serves to dispel any lingering misinformation and highlights the often-unseen professional resolutions that occur behind the scenes, away from public scrutiny and social media narratives.
Rachel Brookes’ 14-year tenure in the Formula 1 paddock established her as a familiar and respected voice within Sky Sports F1’s comprehensive coverage. As a key presenter and reporter, she played a significant role in bringing the intricacies of the sport, the personalities of its drivers, and the drama of each race weekend to millions of viewers. Sky Sports F1 has been a leading broadcaster of the sport in the UK since 2012, known for its in-depth analysis, extensive pre- and post-race programming, and unparalleled access to teams and drivers. Brookes’ contribution was integral to this extensive coverage, making her departure a notable event for the network and its audience. Her candid reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal bonds formed within the highly competitive and globally focused world of Formula 1, underscoring that beyond the fierce rivalry on track, there exists a unique human element that defines the paddock community. Her potential return to the paddock, as wished by Lewis Hamilton, remains a topic of interest for fans and colleagues alike.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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