Sky Sports Makes Late Presenting Change for Brazilian Grand Prix
Sky Sports F1 has been forced into a last-minute reshuffle of its Brazilian Grand Prix presenting team after lead presenter Natalie Pinkham was unable to travel to São Paulo. The veteran broadcaster is continuing her recovery from significant neck surgery and has been absent from screens since hosting September's Italian Grand Prix.
Pinkham's Recovery and Team Reshuffle
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Pinkham confirmed the delay in her return, stating: "I had hoped to be on a flight to Brazil yesterday, but the last couple of months have been trickier than I expected following neck surgery; and I am not there just yet." She extended huge thanks to the Sky F1 team and the wider company for their support during her recovery.
This unexpected absence prompted producers to enact contingency plans for their coverage from the Interlagos circuit. The broadcaster utilised its flexible pool of on-screen talent to ensure seamless coverage.
For Friday's practice session, reporter Craig Slater stepped into hosting duties, sharing the role with Ted Kravitz, who also maintained his pit lane reporting. This duo was also tasked with covering the Sprint qualifying session later that day.
Lazenby Takes the Helm for Weekend Coverage
For the crucial weekend sessions, Simon Lazenby has flown to Brazil to take over the main hosting responsibilities. He will lead Sky's coverage for Saturday's Sprint race and the qualifying session for the main Grand Prix, continuing in this role for Sunday's headline event.
Viewers will be treated to a familiar and popular line-up of commentators and pundits. Lead commentator David Croft was on duty for Friday's practice, joined in the commentary box by analysts Karun Chandhok and Jamie Chadwick.
In a welcome return for fans, Martin Brundle was trackside during practice. Having missed the previous event in Mexico, his presence confirms he will be conducting the much-anticipated live grid walk ahead of Sunday's Grand Prix start.
Details of Pinkham's Surgery and Recovery
Natalie Pinkham has been open about the reasons behind her surgery. During an appearance on Gabby Logan's podcast last month, she revealed doctors discovered a congenital issue with her neck.
She described the complex procedure, explaining: "They have to actually take your voice box out... You have to sign something to say you might lose your voice. Then, they have to move the oesophagus, trachea and then basically they have taken out the disc and they have fused it." She added that surgeons also inserted a small cage to prop the neck up.
Pinkham described the recovery as a "real period of reflection" after more than 20 years in television. She noted the physical challenges, including difficulty talking due to scar tissue and having to adjust to eating little snacks throughout the day instead of large meals. Fans and colleagues alike will be eagerly awaiting her full recovery and return to the F1 coverage.
