Rachel Brookes, former Sky Sports Formula 1 presenter, has revealed the emotional support she received from drivers including Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after her exit from the broadcaster in June 2026.
Brookes ended a 14-year career in the F1 paddock, officially stepping away ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
Although her departure appeared sudden to fans, she confirmed the farewell was planned and allowed her to personally say goodbye to colleagues, teams, and drivers.
Lewis Hamilton's Private Moment
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion racing for Ferrari, shared a private moment with Brookes before her departure.
She recalled their conversation and a photograph where Hamilton gave her a warm hug, expressing hope to see her back in the paddock soon.
"I actually had a chance to say goodbye to Lewis," Brookes said.
"I had a lovely chat with Lewis and got some time with him to have a conversation. He was, as you would imagine, really, really lovely, very supportive.
"I won’t divulge everything that was said, but it was caught by some photographers.
There’s a lovely photo at the end of it where he gives me a massive hug, and he says, 'I hope I see you back in the paddock soon.'"
Charles Leclerc's Silent Hug
During the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc also showed his support.
Brookes described how Leclerc gave her a silent, heartfelt hug as he walked past after completing interviews.
"Charles had just finished his written interviews and was just walking back out," she recalled.
"I was just stood by my camera, and he came up and just gave me the biggest hug.
Didn’t say a word, just gave me the biggest hug. So obviously someone had told him, and I just said thank you and he left."
Brookes also received video messages from other drivers who could not say goodbye in person, reinforcing her view of the F1 paddock as one big family.
Addressing Rumors
Addressing rumors about her departure, Brookes firmly denied any connection to past online abuse she faced after interviewing Max Verstappen.
She emphasized that issue was resolved quickly and that she maintains a positive relationship with Verstappen.
"It was nothing to do with comments and abuse I got online last year at all," she said.
"That was resolved very quickly, and I’ve got a great relationship with Max. So absolutely nothing to do with that.
"I know a lot of people thought that, and there were some articles written. Absolutely not the case at all."
Brookes joined Sky Sports in 2009 and became a prominent figure in F1 coverage when Sky took over UK broadcast rights in 2012.
Despite leaving Sky Sports, she has hinted at continuing involvement with Formula 1, recently appearing at Aston Martin’s 'The Lawn' event during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
