"Charles had just finished his written interviews and was just walking back out," she recalled.
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"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.
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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.
