Rachel Brookes
WoMo racing // Whiteley, Hampshire, England
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Rachel Brookes spent five years writing letters to Sky Sports before breaking into F1 broadcasting, becoming a fixture in the paddock as presenter and commentator for Formula 1, 2, and 3.
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I wasn’t going to let anyone else get the job to be honest.
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FULL BIO: Rachel Brookes
Rachel Brookes carved her path from a motorsport-loving family in Hampshire to become one of Formula 1’s most recognizable broadcasters, proving that persistence and passion can break through even the most male-dominated industries.
EARLY YEARS
Born on August 21, 1974, in Whiteley, Hampshire, Rachel grew up as the only daughter with two brothers in a household where motorsport wasn’t just entertainment—it was family legacy. Her father held endurance racing records that still stand today, including an impressive seven days and nights run that became the stuff of family legend. A picture of him during those record-breaking drives hung in their living room, sparking young Rachel’s curiosity about the sport that would eventually define her career. At 5’9″ with blonde hair and blue eyes, she attended the University of Birmingham, though the motorsport bug had already taken hold thanks to years of watching her brothers and listening to racing stories around the dinner table.
OTHER INTERESTS
Beyond her broadcasting empire, Rachel works as a media trainer and hosts events and webinars, channeling her communication expertise into helping others master the art of public speaking. Her international travel schedule with Formula 1 has taken her around the globe, though specific details about her personal interests outside the paddock remain as private as her professional life is public.
EARLY SUCCESS
Rachel’s journey to Sky Sports wasn’t exactly a fairy tale—it was more like a five-year siege. She spent half a decade writing letters to Sky Sports News, refusing to take no for an answer because, as she put it, “I wasn’t going to let anyone else get the job to be honest.” Her persistence paid off when she finally landed a spot, initially cutting her teeth on cricket coverage before transitioning to her true passion. Starting with radio work at Power FM, Kiss FM, Rock FM, and TalkSport, she built the foundation that would eventually lead her to the Formula 1 paddock. Her first major motorsport moment came at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where even Bernie Ecclestone took notice, asking “who’s that girl?”—a moment that confirmed she belonged in this boys’ club.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2013: Joined Sky Sports F1 coverage as reporter and presenter.
- 2016: Became full-time member of Sky Sports F1 team.
- 2021: Expanded role to include Friday practice session commentary alongside Karun Chandhok and Paul di Resta.
- 2021-Present: Host of “The F1 Show” magazine program on Sky Sports, broadcasting Thursday evenings.
- Ongoing: Presenter for Formula 2 and Formula 3 series coverage.
INSPIRATIONS
Her father’s endurance racing legacy provided the spark, but it was the entire family atmosphere that fueled Rachel’s motorsport passion. Growing up surrounded by racing talk, watching her brothers participate in motorsport activities, and seeing that iconic photograph of her father’s record-breaking runs created a foundation that made her path feel inevitable rather than accidental.
REPUTATION
In an industry where preparation separates professionals from pretenders, Rachel has maintained a detailed notebook covering qualifying and race results for every Grand Prix for over eleven years—the kind of thoroughness that doesn’t go unnoticed by colleagues like Martin Brundle. She’s built a reputation for maintaining composure under pressure, including handling the inevitable online abuse that comes with being a visible woman in motorsport. Industry insiders regard her as determined and professional, while viewers see her as someone who clearly belongs in the paddock. Her presence has helped pave pathways for other women in motorsports media, though she earned her spot through talent and tenacity rather than tokenism.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Currently based in London and continuing her role with Sky Sports covering Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, Rachel shows no signs of slowing down. With her fierce determination and ongoing commitment to F1 broadcasting clearly stated, she appears focused on continuing to evolve her role within the sport she’s loved since childhood. No retirement plans have been announced, and given her passion for the industry, fans can expect to see her in the paddock for years to come.
References:
GiveMeSport Article
Tuko Profile
Independent UK Article
Motorsport Broadcasting Interview
Mabumbe Biography
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