Rachel Brookes Reflects on Heartfelt Farewell with Lewis Hamilton

Rachel Brookes' departure from Sky F1 was not the abrupt exit it seemed. After more than a decade with the broadcaster, Brookes had the opportunity to say her goodbyes to many in the paddock, including a touching moment with Lewis Hamilton. She described her conversation with Hamilton as "lovely," noting his supportiveness and kindness during their chat. "He gave me a massive hug and said, 'I hope I see you back in the paddock soon,'" Brookes recounted in a podcast appearance following the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Brookes' farewell tour didn't stop with Hamilton. In Canada, she received an unexpected embrace from Charles Leclerc. "He just came up and gave me the biggest hug," Brookes shared, visibly moved by the gesture. Other drivers also reached out via video messages, expressing their appreciation for her years of work.

Reflecting on her time with Sky, Brookes emphasized that her exit was planned and that her colleague Craig Slater was ready to take on her responsibilities. "It looked sudden, but it wasn’t," she clarified, adding that Slater had previously stepped in for her during absences. "He'll do a fantastic job," Brookes assured.

For Brookes, the F1 paddock was more than just a workplace; it was a family. "I was quite overwhelmed by the response from everybody," she admitted, touched by the outpouring of support. As she moves on to new challenges, Brookes leaves behind a legacy of warmth and professionalism that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.