Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes opens up on vile online ab

Sky Sports F1 Presenter Takes Action Over ‘Vile Abuse’ After Lewis Hamilton Apology

Sky Sports Formula One presenter Rachel Brookes has taken decisive steps to protect her mental health and well-being after receiving a torrent of “vile abuse” online following an emotionally charged interview with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The incident unfolded during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, where Hamilton’s post-race interview drew widespread attention for its tension and emotional weight. Brookes, a seasoned broadcaster with years of experience in the F1 paddock, interviewed Hamilton after a difficult weekend for the British driver, who was visibly frustrated following on-track challenges and his team’s underwhelming performance.

Emotional Interview Turns Into a Target for Abuse

During the interview, Hamilton—appearing drained and on the verge of tears—gave short, clipped answers. While Brookes remained professional throughout, the segment was quickly dissected online, with some fans unfairly targeting her for what they perceived as insensitivity or pressure during a vulnerable moment for Hamilton.

In the hours and days that followed, Brookes became the subject of severe online harassment. She described the messages and comments as “enormous amounts of vile abuse,” adding that many were personal, threatening, and misogynistic in nature. In response, Brookes announced she had taken the decision to restrict her social media activity by turning off comments and mentions on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

> “I’ve disabled comments and mentions for now,” Brookes said. “It’s not about not being able to take criticism—it’s about the volume and vitriol of it. No one deserves that kind of treatment for simply doing their job.”

Hamilton Issues Private Apology

Amid the backlash, Lewis Hamilton privately reached out to Brookes and apologised for the tension during their exchange. According to Sky F1 lead commentator David Croft, the apology was genuine and heartfelt, and not prompted by media pressure. Croft explained that Hamilton had not fully processed the day’s events at the time of the interview and later expressed regret for how things unfolded.

> “It was a tough race for Lewis,” Croft said. “There was so much going on emotionally, especially after the Verstappen–Russell clash. I think he realised afterward that the interview was more tense than usual and wanted to make things right.”

Brookes confirmed the apology, stating she had “no hard feelings” toward Hamilton and respected the difficulty of the moment for him.

Broader Problem in the F1 Community

This incident has reignited discussions about the abuse faced by media personnel in sports particularly women. Other prominent F1 figures, including broadcaster Lee McKenzie, have recently shared similar experiences of harassment and targeted abuse, often magnified by the high-stakes and emotional nature of race weekends.

The FIA has acknowledged the issue, launching initiatives such as the “United Against Online Abuse” campaign, which aims to foster respectful interactions both online and at the track. However, critics argue that more action is needed from governing bodies, teams, and social media platforms to protect journalists and presenters who are increasingly exposed to toxic fan culture.

Support from Colleagues and Fans

Brookes has received a wave of support from fellow journalists, drivers, and fans who condemned the abuse and praised her professionalism. Many called for F1 to take stronger public stands against the mistreatment of those working behind the scenes.

Sky Sports F1 has not issued a formal statement, but insiders suggest the network is fully backing Brookes’ decision and is reviewing additional steps to ensure presenters feel supported and secure in their roles.

The emotional fallout from the Spanish Grand Prix has highlighted both the intensity of modern Formula 1 and the darker side of online fandom. Rachel Brookes’ experience serves as a stark reminder that the passion of the sport must never come at the cost of basic human decency. As the circus heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, many hope that a clear message is sent: there is no place in sport for harassment and abuse—on or off the track.