Madeline Coleman is a journalist covering racing, and doing it better than most. As F1 staff writer for The Athletic, she’s become one of the sport’s most trusted voices, known for asking the kind of questions that actually matter and writing stories that make you care about what happens off the track as much as on it.

EARLY YEARS

Coleman grew up with a passion for storytelling that led her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Not content to stop there, she pursued a Master of Arts in Mass Communication at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, specializing in global strategic communication. Chapel Hill remains home base—she’s still based there while covering one of the most globe-trotting sports on the planet.

OTHER INTERESTS

Faith plays a central role in Coleman’s life. Her social media bio prominently identifies her as a “follower of Christ,” and she carries the motto “No dream is too big; no dreamer is too small”—a sentiment that feels equal parts conviction and encouragement. Beyond the chaos of race weekends and deadline pressures, that grounding seems to keep her focused on what matters.

EARLY SUCCESS

Coleman’s career began with an internship at Sports Illustrated, where she quickly proved she had the chops for more than fetching coffee. She became a writer and editor at SI, covering everything from NASCAR to Formula One, crafting pieces that balanced insider knowledge with accessibility. Her work stood out—sharp, informed, and engaging without the usual jargon that makes motorsports coverage feel like homework. That reputation caught the attention of The Athletic, which hired her as their dedicated F1 staff writer, a role that put her front and center in covering one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2021: Covered the Netflix effect on Formula One’s explosive growth in the U.S., examining how “Drive to Survive” transformed the sport’s American fanbase[1].
• 2022: Broke down Oracle Red Bull Racing’s innovation strategies during their championship-contending season[2].
• 2022: Reported on Lewis Hamilton’s struggles with Mercedes’ bouncing issues and George Russell’s physical pain from the problem, highlighting driver safety concerns[3].
• 2022: Covered F1’s renewed U.S. media rights deal with ESPN through 2025, worth $75-90 million annually—a massive jump from the previous $5 million[4].
• 2024: Analyzed the Miami Grand Prix’s evolving identity as it balanced celebrity culture with cementing itself as a serious racing destination[5].
• 2024: Discussed F1’s biggest schedule changes in years, offering insider perspective on how the sport was adapting[6].
• 2025: Covered major F1 driver movements, including Isack Hadjar replacing Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull and Arvid Lindblad joining Racing Bulls[7].
• 2025: Reported on Doriane Pin’s expanded role with Mercedes as a development driver, highlighting women’s advancement in F1[8].

INSPIRATIONS

While Coleman hasn’t publicly detailed specific motorsports heroes, her work reveals deep respect for drivers who bring authenticity to the paddock. She’s particularly skilled at getting drivers to open up about who they really are—not just their lap times but their personalities, struggles, and what drives them beyond the obvious. That ability suggests she’s inspired by the human stories within the sport, not just the spectacle.

REPUTATION

Coleman has built a reputation as someone who understands the assignment. She doesn’t just regurgitate press releases or ask softball questions. Her podcast appearances and articles demonstrate a journalist who’s done the homework—she knows the teams, understands the politics, and can explain the sport’s complexities without talking down to readers. On podcasts like “Choosing Sides: F1,” she’s been praised for her “incredible ability to ask drivers how they would describe themselves and explain in depth” what makes them tick. She’s become a go-to voice for understanding not just what’s happening in F1, but why it matters. Based in North Carolina while covering a European-dominated sport, she’s managed to establish herself as essential reading for anyone trying to make sense of Formula One’s American invasion.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Coleman continues covering Formula One for The Athletic as the sport enters a new era with significant regulation changes and shifting team dynamics heading into 2026. With F1’s American popularity still surging and the sport’s landscape constantly evolving, she’s positioned to remain at the forefront of interpreting this moment for U.S. audiences. Whether it’s tracking rookie performances, analyzing team strategies, or chronicling the sport’s cultural impact, she’s exactly where the story is happening.

REFERENCES

[1] The Netflix Effect: How a Docuseries Helped Trigger an F1 Boom – Sports Illustrated
[2] How Oracle Red Bull Racing Is Using Innovation to Build Off Championship – Sports Illustrated
[3] Mercedes Faces Questions As Russell Endures Pain Due to Bouncing – Sports Illustrated
[4] F1 Renews U.S. Media Rights With ESPN Through 2025, per Report – Sports Illustrated
[5] Miami GP striking balance in cementing its identity – Sports Business Journal
[6] F1 Expert Talks New Changes for 2024 Schedule – YouTube
[7] Articles by Madeline Coleman – Muck Rack
[8] Articles by Madeline Coleman – Muck Rack
Coleman joins The Athletic as Formula One staff writer – Talking Biz News
Madeline Coleman – Writer at The Athletic – Reporters.io
Madeline Coleman’s Profile – The Athletic Journalist – Muck Rack