Brookes Denies Verstappen Interview Played Role In Sky F1 Departure – Rachel Brookes has rejected speculation that her departure from Sky Sports F1 was connected to a controversial interview with Max Verstappen after the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
The long-time Formula 1 broadcaster left Sky’s UK coverage team at the end of June, prompting widespread discussion among fans and speculation online. Speaking on the Essential F1 podcast, Brookes said the Verstappen interview was not a factor in her decision to leave and insisted she still has a strong relationship with the Red Bull driver.
Brookes did reveal that the interview led to significant criticism and abuse on social media, but said the situation with Verstappen himself was resolved quickly.
Rachel Brookes Faced Online Backlash After Verstappen Interview
Following the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Brookes conducted a live interview with Verstappen that attracted criticism from some sections of the Formula 1 fanbase.
The journalist explained that she received a wave of negative comments and personal attacks online after the conversation, with some fans questioning her approach.
However, Brookes stressed that the reaction from social media did not reflect her relationship with Verstappen.
“I know that many people thought that, and some articles were written about it. But that is absolutely not the case,” Brookes said when discussing suggestions that the interview influenced her Sky departure.
She added that there was no ongoing issue between herself and the four-time world champion.
“That was resolved very quickly. I have a great relationship with Max,” Brookes explained.
Sky F1 Departure Was Planned, Says Brookes
Brookes also addressed claims that her exit from Sky had happened suddenly.
The broadcaster explained that her departure had been handled privately and that she had been able to say goodbye to colleagues, teams and drivers in the Formula 1 paddock.
“I had the opportunity to say goodbye to the people in the paddock, to my colleagues, the teams, and the drivers,” she said.
The comments were aimed at correcting the perception that she had abruptly disappeared from Formula 1 coverage.
Brookes had become a familiar presence in Sky’s paddock reporting team, regularly conducting interviews with drivers and team personnel throughout race weekends.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc Offered Emotional Farewell
Among those who offered support during Brookes’ departure were Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion shared an emotional farewell with Brookes, with photographers capturing the pair during their final paddock interaction.
“I had a lovely chat with Lewis. He was really, really sweet and very supportive. I won’t reveal everything that was said, but it was captured by some photographers,” Brookes said.
She added that Hamilton told her: “I hope to see you again soon in the paddock.”
Brookes also received a farewell hug from Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Leclerc, while other drivers sent video messages when they were unable to say goodbye in person.
Brookes Reflects On Life Inside The Formula 1 Paddock
Reflecting on her years covering Formula 1, Brookes described the paddock as a unique environment where strong relationships develop between journalists, teams and drivers.
“The paddock is like a family. It’s an incredible place,” she said.
The broadcaster admitted that the reaction from across Formula 1 had been overwhelming, particularly from those she had worked alongside during her time covering the sport.
While speculation around her Sky exit focused heavily on Verstappen, Brookes’ comments indicate that the decision was unrelated to the Dutch driver or their post-race interview.
Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Sky’s Formula 1 coverage, although Brookes has suggested her connection with the paddock remains strong.
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