Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes has disabled comments across her social media platforms after receiving a wave of abusive messages linked to her recent interview with Max Verstappen at the Canadian Grand Prix. The controversy centers on the Max Verstappen interview abuse controversy, which intensified after her questioning at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier in the season.
Brookes has been a key member of the Sky Sports F1 team since 2012, often serving as the primary interviewer during press sessions. Known for tackling challenging questions, her role involves addressing difficult topics, especially after incidents on track.
Context behind the interview and ensuing hostility
The abuse targeted at Brookes followed an interview shortly after the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for a collision with George Russell. The incident occurred after Red Bull instructed Verstappen to allow Russell past during a battle at Turn 1 following a Safety Car restart. The Dutch driver’s reaction appeared deliberate, sparking widespread debate.
During the post-race interview, Brookes questioned Verstappen on whether the penalty overshadowed his impressive overtaking move on Oscar Piastri earlier at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Verstappen replied curtly, stating,
“Well, that’s your opinion. We will leave it there”
.
Presenter’s response to the flood of abusive messages
Following the backlash, Brookes made a public announcement explaining her decision to disable interactions on social media. She revealed the volume of hostility she faced by writing,
“I will be posting on here as usual, but comments/tags/mentions on here and on X have been disabled for the foreseeable future due to the enormous amounts of vile abuse I was sent after the Spanish GP.”
She also added,
“I may switch them back on at a later date, but for now they will stay off.”
This unfortunate situation reflects a growing issue within F1 media, as Brookes is not alone in facing online harassment. Channel 4’s F1 presenter Lee McKenzie also recently confronted similar abuse, which targeted her personal appearance and weight following a medical operation. McKenzie responded to the trolls in a detailed Instagram statement, condemning the hostile behavior.
Wider implications for Formula 1 media figures
The recent events involving Brookes and McKenzie highlight the increasing pressure and mistreatment faced by F1 presenters online. As the sport’s media professionals continue their important work in delivering timely and insightful coverage, the hostility they encounter threatens their well-being and ability to perform their roles without fear of abuse.
This Max Verstappen interview abuse controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges sports journalists can face when tackling sensitive topics, and it raises questions about how the F1 community can better protect those who report on the sport’s most intense moments. Fans and officials alike may need to consider stronger measures to ensure respectful discourse moving forward.
