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Rachel Brookes Says June Exit from Sky Was Planned, Denies Online Abuse Forced Her Out

Her account rejects links between the social‑media abuse and her departure, highlighting questions about reporter safety in Formula 1.

Overview

  • Brookes announced she left the Sky Sports F1 team in June 2026, telling fans she would pursue new roles while remaining involved in Formula 1.
  • She told Essential F1 that the decision had been planned and was not a sudden move, and that Sky had a prepared on‑air replacement ready to step up.
  • Brookes recounted the 'horrendous' online abuse she received after asking Max Verstappen about a collision at the Spanish Grand Prix but said that abuse did not cause her exit.
  • Drivers and teams offered private and public support after her announcement, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc among those who gave warm farewells and messages.
  • Brookes briefly worked off‑screen with Aston Martin at Silverstone and says she will keep fans updated on future projects, a development that keeps focus on how sport media handle harassment and staff changes.