Rachel Brookes

Rachel Brookes didn’t set out to become one of Formula One’s most recognizable voices—she started out thinking F1 was an “impossible dream.” But the Hampshire-born journalist proved that hard work, a motorsport-loving family, and just the right amount of stubborn determination could turn impossible into inevitable.

EARLY YEARS

Born on August 21, 1974, in Hampshire, England, Rachel Brookes grew up in a household where motorsport wasn’t just a hobby—it was the family business. Her father competed in endurance racing, setting records that made the Le Mans 24 Hours look like a warm-up lap. She was the only daughter sandwiched between two brothers who were deeply involved in racing, eventually competing in the Polo Super Coupe Cup and later doing Radical Racing together. With a front-row seat to the chaos, camaraderie, and sheer grit of motorsport, it’s no wonder the bug bit her early.

Despite her love for the sport, young Rachel had her sights set on something she thought was more attainable: becoming a radio DJ. At nine years old, she decided that was the dream. She pursued a Media & Communications degree from the University of Birmingham, laying the groundwork for a career that would eventually blend both passions—motorsport and broadcasting—in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

OTHER INTERESTS

Rachel’s not just about the paddock. She actually got behind the wheel herself, training to get her racing license and driving a Radical SR1 at Oulton Park for her first-ever race. The experience gave her a visceral understanding of what drivers go through—and probably made her interviews a lot sharper. She’s also been involved with Susie Wolff’s Dare To Be Different initiative, serving as an ambassador alongside Claire Williams and Alice Powell, working to create more opportunities for women in motorsport.

EARLY SUCCESS

Brookes’ broadcasting career kicked off when she won a DJ competition on KISS FM in London, landing her first gig as a freelance presenter. She moved to Rock FM in Preston, then spent five years at Power FM between 2000 and 2005, presenting over 1,400 shows—totaling more than 6,500 hours on air. That’s a lot of reps. From there, she made the jump to talkSPORT, where she proved she could handle the rough-and-tumble world of sports talk radio.

Her big break came when Sky Sports News scooped her up. In her first year with the channel, she became the first woman to present live cricket updates—a milestone that didn’t make headlines but quietly cracked open another door. Her ability to cover multiple sports with equal confidence made her a valuable asset, and when Sky Sports F1 needed someone who could navigate the high-speed, high-stakes world of Formula One, Brookes was ready.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2013: Joined Sky Sports F1 as a presenter and reporter, roving the pitlane and paddock.
• First Year at Sky Sports News: Became the first woman to present live cricket updates on the channel.
• Moderating Role: Selected by the FIA to moderate drivers’ press conferences post-qualifying and post-race, a notable first for a female journalist.
• 2020: Stepped in for Simon Lazenby as the main presenter for Sky’s coverage of the Russian Grand Prix.
• Author: Wrote *F1 Racing: Drive*, examining the make-or-break moments across 75 years of Formula One, sharing insights from over 14 years in the paddock.
• Ambassador: Served as an ambassador for Susie Wolff’s Dare To Be Different initiative, promoting opportunities for women in motorsport.
• 2025: Continues as a key presenter and reporter for Sky Sports F1, conducting post-race interviews and hosting *The F1 Show*.

INSPIRATIONS

Rachel has been open about her admiration for Ayrton Senna, expressing regret that she never had the chance to interview him. “I wish I could have interviewed him. I have watched all the documentaries,” she’s said. Growing up watching her father and brothers race gave her a deep respect for the discipline and courage it takes to compete at the highest levels. That family influence continues to shape how she approaches her work—with reverence for the sport and the people who risk everything to be in it.

REPUTATION

Brookes is known for her articulate reporting, sharp interviews, and ability to ask the questions that matter without crossing into sensationalism. She’s comfortable in the chaos of the paddock, whether she’s chasing down drivers post-race or moderating tense press conferences. Her colleagues and viewers alike respect her professionalism, and she’s earned her place as one of the most influential voices in modern motorsport broadcasting.

But that respect hasn’t shielded her from the uglier side of the job. After the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix, Brookes was hit with what she described as “enormous amounts of vile abuse” on social media following her interview with Max Verstappen. The harassment was severe enough that she disabled comments on her social media platforms. She’s not alone—female sports journalists have long been targets of online vitriol—but her decision to speak out about it highlighted the toxic environment that still exists in F1 fandom.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As of 2025, Brookes continues to be a central figure in Sky Sports F1’s coverage, working alongside Simon Lazenby, Natalie Pinkham, Ted Kravitz, and Craig Slater. She’s showing no signs of slowing down, continuing to conduct interviews with drivers and key figures while hosting *The F1 Show*. Her focus remains on delivering insightful, engaging coverage and using her platform to advocate for more pathways for women in motorsport.

REFERENCES

Rachel Brookes: All you need to know about the Sky F1 presenter – GPFans
Rachel Brookes: F1 career, husband, family, and net worth – Tuko
Sky F1’s Rachel Brookes silences social media after “vile” abuse – Motorsport.com
Rachel Brookes Biography & Career Highlights – Mabumbe
Rachel Brookes: “I am proof that if you work hard and are very determined…” – Fast and Fearless
In conversation with Rachel Brookes – Motorsport Broadcasting
Rachel Brookes – Famous Birthdays
Rachel’s Diary: Radical Racing – Sky Sports
Rachel Brookes – First Artist Mission
F1 2025 live on Sky Sports: Full coverage plans – Sky Sports
Who are the 2025 F1 commentators? – Autosport
Susie Wolff’s Dare To Be Different aims for more females in motorsport – Sky Sports
F1 Commentators: ESPN’s Sky Sports commentary team for 2021 – Motorsport.com