Formula 1 reporter Rachel Brookes has announced her departure from Sky Sports after 14 years with the network, a decision that follows her public disclosure of experiencing "horrific abuse" from fans.
Brookes revealed the nature of the online harassment in a recent interview, detailing the intense backlash she faced after a post-race interview with driver Max Verstappen following a collision with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for the incident and acknowledged making a mistake. Brookes had questioned Verstappen if the contact was intentional, a question she stated others in broadcasting were too hesitant to ask.
While some industry professionals praised her for her direct questioning, fan reaction on social media was overwhelmingly negative. Brookes recounted receiving messages, some from profiles that appeared to belong to parents, containing deeply personal and abusive comments, including suggestions she should not have children. She expressed dismay at the severity of the online attacks, emphasizing that it was "a Formula 1 race. It's a sport."
Brookes joined Sky in 2009, and her role within Formula 1 coverage expanded when Sky acquired the sport's broadcast rights in the United Kingdom in 2012. She became a prominent figure known for conducting interviews in the media pen and traveling to Grands Prix worldwide.
Despite leaving Sky, Brookes indicated she will remain involved in Formula 1. She stated on X, "I have left the Sky F1 team but F1 still has my heart & so I’ll still be involved in it." She plans to attend the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone and will provide further updates on her future endeavors.