SKY SPORTS REACT AFTER PRESENTER RACHEL BROOKS ANNOUNCES DEPARTURE

 

Photo: Race Pictures

Sky Sports have issued a statement following the departure of long-serving presenter Rachel Brookes.

Brookes took many across the Formula 1 scenes by surprise when she announced on social media that she had left her role with Sky Sports with immediate effect after more than a decade with the broadcaster.

While the presenter confirmed she will remain involved in Formula 1 in a new capacity and plans to attend next week's British Grand Prix at Silverstone, she revealed the news ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, writing:

“After many years at Sky, I am moving on to exciting new ventures and looking forward to what comes next. I have left the Sky F1 team, but F1 still has my heart & so I'll still be involved in it. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, see you at Silverstone!"

Amid the reaction that has followed the 51-year-old's departure, a Sky Sports spokesperson addressed the news in a statement to PlanetF1, saying:

"Rachel has moved on from the Sky Sports F1 team to take on new challenges as we evolve our coverage. Rachel has been an asset for the team, and we wish her well in her new endeavours."

Photo: Race Pictures

Brookes opens up on backlash after Verstappen interview

Brookes' departure from Sky Sports comes shortly after she spoke about the wave of online abuse she received following her interview with Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The presenter had asked the Dutchman whether his collision with George Russell in the closing stages of the race had been intentional. Verstappen responded tersely, insisting that it "doesn't matter". Brookes then pressed further, arguing that it did matter to the fans and children watching the sport.

During the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Verstappen collided with Russell after becoming visibly frustrated over team radio when he was instructed to hand back a position to the Mercedes driver – a decision he was clearly unhappy with.

- Samson Ero

JAKE PAUL EXPANDS BOXING REACH WITH SKY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jake Paul has taken another step in boxing promotion, as Most Valuable Promotions secured a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW. The agreement makes Sky Sports the exclusive home for MVP’s women’s boxing platform, MVPW, in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The deal focuses on expanding coverage of women’s boxing through regular events on traditional television. It also guarantees at least two all-female fight cards each year in the region. The move strengthens MVP’s presence outside the United States and adds another major broadcast partner as the promotion continues to grow its global reach.

MVPW Launch Set for London With Title Unification Fight

The partnership begins with MVPW-01 on April 5 at London’s Olympia. The event will feature a world title unification bout between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. Dubois holds the WBC lightweight title, while Harper enters as the WBO champion.

The fight brings together two top British fighters in a high-level matchup. Dubois, who is also Daniel Dubois’s sister, will aim to add another title. Harper brings experience across multiple weight classes and enters the bout with a record of competing in major fights.

Jake Paul and MVP Outline Vision for Women’s Boxing

Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded MVP in 2021, explained the platform’s goal in a joint statement.

“Through MVPW, we are committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for fighters while producing premium events that expand the global reach and commercial potential of women’s boxing.”

“Bringing two premium all-female MVPW events to the UK and Ireland each year, starting with the historic MVPW-01 on Sunday April 5 at London’s Olympia, is exactly what we envisioned when we launched this platform.”

The pair also pointed to the strength of British talent. “We have the best female British boxers in the world and Sky Sports is the perfect home to showcase the elite talent and championship-level action that defines MVPW.”

“Together, we’re committed to continuing to elevate women’s boxing to the main stage it deserves, delivering unforgettable nights for fans across the UK and beyond.”

Broadcast Deal Expands Most Valuable Promotions’ Global Footprint

The agreement comes as Sky Sports continues to build its boxing coverage following changes in its previous partnerships. For MVP, the deal strengthens its presence in the United States and supports its focus on women’s boxing.

Paul has combined his role as a fighter and promoter to grow the brand. He has competed against the likes of Anderson Silva and Mike Tyson while promoting events that highlight female fighters.

The new partnership sets a clear structure for future events and increases visibility for women’s boxing in the UK and Ireland. With MVPW-01 set for April 5, the first event will serve as the starting point for the expanded platform under the new broadcast deal.

- Dogli Wilberforce

SKY SPORTS APOLOGISE AS TOTO WOLFF SWEARS ON LIVE ON LIVE TV SUGGESTING CRISTIAN HORNER JOB

Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff swore live on air as he gave a hilarious suggestion about Christian Horner’s new role

Toto Wolff swore live on TV(Image: Sky Sports)

Sky Sports were forced to apologise as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff swore live on air.

Following the end of the sole qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix sprint weekend, Wolff was asked about Christian Horner’s sacking from Red Bull. The two became fierce rivals as Red Bull took over Mercedes’ dominance in the sport.

Wolff was asked whether he would miss Horner in the paddock despite them being involved in numerous heated fallouts in recent years. But the Mercedes team principal gave an answer that many weren’t expecting, certainly not Sky presenter Natalie Pinkham.

He said: "In a way, yes [I will miss him]. He was one of the main casts. I don't think he's gone forever; he could pop up in some other function.

"I need to be careful. He could be rocking up in the FIA, and then you know I'm really in the s***. He was someone that was controversial, polarising, and not soft-washed.

"That was good from the entertainment factor, and from that perspective, he will be missed. His track record speaks for itself."

Ironically, despite saying he needed to be careful, Wolff’s choice of words were anything but as Sky had to apologise for the use of his expletive language at the end of the interview, which was aired without a bleep.

Horner oversaw Red Bull taking Mercedes’ perch as the most dominant team in F1 when he won back-to-back Constructors’ Championships as Max Verstappen became a four-time world champion.

However, Red Bull’s form this season, and amid past controversies clouding over him, Horner was sacked following the British Grand Prix.

Two failed driver signings in Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda this season have seen Verstappen carrying the team again this year, but the Dutchman’s future is uncertain.

Wolff denied that his approaches to the Dutchman were a catalyst behind Horner’s dismissal.

He said: "No. There is much more in the background that we probably don't know with Red Bull.

"Looking after drivers, in my position as team principal of Mercedes, I need to explore what Max is going to do in the next few years, not only next year."

- Cameron Winstanley

ROY KEANE CLASHES WITH JAMIE REDKNAPP OVER ARSENAL'S TITLE HOPES

Roy Keane clashed with fellow Sky Sports pundits on Sunday night as he insisted that there is no evidence that Mikel Arteta can win the league with Arsenal next season.

Arsenal could only manage a disappointing 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday night as they fell to 15 points below Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.

The result means Arsenal are on course to finish second in the league for the third season in a row.

And speaking after the match, Keane questioned whether Arteta could win a title with the Gunners next season, asking his fellow pundits: “What makes you think the manager can do it?”

“They've got close over the last few years, but City will be strong next year and I'm sure Liverpool will be too,” Keane pointed out.

“Where is the evidence to think they can do it? Getting a striker in would help, have they got the right mentality? Has the manager?” asked Keane.

“You see a different side to them when they’re losing every week, they get all agitated when they’re losing.

“What’s the evidence or this group of players that they can do it? It’s alright challenging, but it should be about winning titles,” added Keane.

Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp disagreed with Keane, opining that if Arsenal “sign an elite striker they'll challenge for the title”.

“You ask him to be a killer in the box - is he going to get 20 a season? That's Salah numbers. That's what they've got to try to find, and if they do with their defensive stability they'll certainly go close next season,” he added.

Much has been made of Arsenal’s recent injury crisis, with the club forced to play Mikel Merino as a striker in the absence of Kai Havertz, who is out for the rest of the season. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard have also been out at various points this season.

But Keane also questioned the team’s overall mentality, saying that the Gunners “didn't have any swagger about them” today despite beating PSV 7-1 in the Champions League in midweek.

"I'd be looking at their mentality and thinking, 'where was it?'” he said.

"Arsenal have done well and made progress over the last few years, but the next step is the hardest one. If you're Arsenal, what good is second to you? You want to be winning titles,” he added.

- Chris Wilson

MCLAREN FINALLY CHAMPIONS | LEWIS HAMILTON LEAVES MERCEDES | SKY SPORTS PODCAST

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WHY JAKE PAUL VS. MIKE TYSON VIEWERS WITH NETFLIX SUBSCRIPTIONS COULD STILL BE FINED £1,000

Jake Paul faces Mike Tyson in a highly anticipated showdown on Friday, but Netflix customers in the UK have been warned they could still face a huge fine for tuning into the fight

Adam Davis

Viewers planning to watch Jake Paul face Mike Tyson have been warned they may face a substantial fine, even if they have a Netflix subscription.

Tyson's first professional boxing bout since 2005 is set to take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000. In a unique situation for UK fans, the fight will not be available on pay-per-view through Sky Sports or TNT.

Instead, it will be accessible to all new and existing Netflix subscribers, allowing them to watch on various devices, including iPads, mobile phones, and televisions. However, the Daily Express reported those planning to tune in will still need to exercise caution after the BBC warned fans will still require a valid TV licence.

In a statement released earlier this year, the network reiterated its rules regarding streaming services, specifically mentioning UK residents using Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube to watch live programme coverage. And it's enough to put potential spectators on alert.

"A TV licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer," read the statement. "Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries."

Those who risk watching the fight live without a TV licence could face a fine of up to £1,000. This comes despite the Government's promise in October to review the enforcement of licence-related penalties.

It remains uncertain how many viewers will subscribe to watch the bout, especially as organisers have reduced ticket prices in an attempt to fill the arena. According to Gametime, the lowest ticket price is now approximately £55, a decrease from £72 last week.

The cheapest seat was reportedly valued at around £103 in October. When the contest was initially planned for July, the best available price was more than £329.

That first date was postponed after Tyson, 58, experienced an ulcer flare-up on a plane. This sparked concerns about whether 'Iron Mike', who is 31 years older than his YouTuber opponent, was fit enough to return to the ring.

The fight is set for eight two-minute rounds, and knockouts are allowed. The pair participated in an open workout with fans on Tuesday, where the former undisputed heavyweight champion seemingly surprised spectators with his intense approach to the bags.

- Rosina Butcher

MO SALAH | LIVERPOOL AND EGYPT 🇪🇬 FOOTBALL LEGEND

 

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PETER DRURY ON HIS MOVE TO SKY FOR PREMIER LEAGUE COMMENTARY FROM THE 2023/24 SEASON

 

BREAKING NEWS: PETER DRURY JOINING SKY SPORTS

 

MARTIN TYLER STEPS DOWN AS SKY SPORTS COMMENTATOR AFTER 33 YEARS

Getty

Martin Tyler, the veteran commentator, is stepping down from his role at Sky Sports ahead of the new season after 33 years.

The 77-year-old has been the voice of football on Sky since the launch of the Premier League in 1992. In a statement on the Sky Sports website, Tyler said: “In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports’ innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League.

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LIAM SMITH VS. HASSAN MWAKINYO

 

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