Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham has revealed how Bernie Ecclestone intervened to prevent an upskirt photograph of her from being published. Speaking on the Style DNA podcast, Pinkham recalled an incident at the South Korean Grand Prix when a gust of wind blew up her skirt and a photographer captured the moment.
Pinkham said she discovered the image was due to appear in The Sun newspaper the following day. She informed Ecclestone, who was then in charge of Formula 1, and he took immediate action. According to Pinkham, Ecclestone contacted the photographer and warned, 'If that goes to print, your pass won't work at the next Grand Prix. You don't stitch Natalie up like that'.
Pinkham praised Ecclestone's response, describing him as 'a feminist'. She noted that despite his past association with grid girls, he has two daughters and a wife, and is supportive of women. The incident occurred while Pinkham was working as a broadcaster for Sky Sports, a role she has held since 2012.
Ecclestone, now 94, controlled F1's commercial rights until 2017, when Liberty Media took over. He remained as chairman emeritus until January 2020.
