Sky F1 Reporter Takes Bold Steps to End Hate Campaign After Max Verstappen Interview

Sky F1 reporter Rachel Brookes has responded to growing online abuse by turning off comments on her social media profiles. The rise in hostile messages was triggered after the Spanish Grand Prix, where Brookes interviewed Max Verstappen following a late-race clash with George Russell.

Verstappen received a 10-second penalty and three penalty points on his super licence after the collision caused widespread debate. Many fans speculated if the contact was intentional, leading to heightened emotions on digital platforms. More details on the incident can be found in the Flexi wing controversy at the Spanish GP.

During her interview, Brookes suggested to Verstappen that the incident might overshadow his other racing skills. Verstappen simply replied, “Well, that’s your opinion.”

The brief exchange led to a spike in negative responses aimed at Brookes across several online forums. Just one week earlier, in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, Brookes had also conducted a short interview with Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton, frustrated after a tough race, gave limited answers but later apologized to Brookes privately for his reserved responses. This episode echoed Hamilton’s recent struggles, as seen in Lewis Hamilton’s difficult race at Monaco.

On June 15, Brookes explained her decision on social media, stating the volume of abuse forced her to take measures. She posted, “I will be posting on here as usual but comments/tags/mentions on here [Instagram] 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 added that she may enable comments again later but would keep them off for now to avoid further negativity.

Since joining the Sky Sports F1 team, Brookes has been a regular in the paddock, interviewing prominent drivers and team members. Her professionalism has often been recognized by viewers and colleagues.

However, tensions around controversial racing moments, especially involving top names like Verstappen or Hamilton, can quickly spill over online. This season has already seen several drivers penalized, with strict enforcement of rules from the FIA impacting race results.

Max Verstappen, currently one of Formula 1’s leading drivers, has been the focus of attention throughout the 2025 season. The crash in Barcelona and the aftermath were followed by scrutiny from fans and teams alike.

George Russell, also directly involved, finished the race with Verstappen’s penalty affecting the final standings and stirring debate across the F1 community.

The issue of online abuse within motorsport has been highlighted increasingly in recent years as more reporters and drivers experience threats and negative comments. Sky Sports and other broadcasters have condemned such behavior, urging respect for everyone involved in the sport.

The Formula 1 community continues to seek solutions to protect participants from ongoing digital harassment.

As the season continues, Brookes remains active in her reporting but has made self-care and protection from online abuse a priority. The next races, including the Austrian and British Grands Prix, will test whether the situation improves.

Formula 1 organizers and media teams are watching closely, aiming to ensure that all voices can be heard without fear or intimidation.