F1 Broadcaster Lee McKenzie Issues Health Update Following ‘H…read more
Formula 1 broadcaster and journalist Lee McKenzie has publicly addressed recent struggles with her health and the emotional toll of severe online abuse she has faced since the Spanish Grand Prix. McKenzie, a familiar face to Formula 1 fans, began her F1 broadcasting career with the BBC in 2009 as a pit lane reporter, continuing in that role until 2015. Since 2016, she has worked with Channel 4 as a respected member of their Formula 1 coverage team.
In a candid Instagram post, McKenzie revealed that she had recently undergone surgery and has been dealing with ongoing health issues for some time. Accompanying the heartfelt message were two photos of her in the F1 paddock and one of her recovering in a hospital bed. Known for keeping her personal life private, McKenzie explained that she typically posts about her professional life and refrains from sharing much beyond that. However, she felt compelled to speak out after receiving waves of unsolicited and cruel comments about her appearance, particularly regarding her weight, during the Spanish Grand Prix broadcast.
“Last month I went into hospital for an operation and I’ve been struggling with some health issues for a while now,” she wrote. “As you see on here I’m a private person and I post about my work, not too much about life outside of work. I don’t need or want attention or validation. But the comments about my appearance and weight at the Spanish Grand Prix have been horrific.”
The abuse, she noted, came from both men and women. McKenzie expressed her deep frustration that such negativity had managed to affect her, despite her years of experience in the public eye. “I’ve had to turn off comments on my social media,” she continued. “If you don’t like what someone wears or looks like on television, feel free to think about it but why send it to them? Why contact someone to be deliberately rude? I’m a journalist and I’m good at my job, and I’m furious that this affects me. But it does, and there will be people out there getting similar abuse who are not as strong as me. Don’t do it.”
Her powerful message struck a chord across the F1 community, with fellow broadcasters, fans, and mental health advocates rallying around her in solidarity. One of the most prominent voices to speak out in support was Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham. A longtime friend of McKenzie and vocal mental health campaigner, Pinkham shared her own emotional response on Instagram. She recalled the tragic death of her friend and TV presenter Caroline Flack, who took her own life in 2020 after being subjected to relentless online abuse.
“Online abuse needs to be regularly and rigorously called out,” Pinkham wrote. “Our friend Caroline Flack paid the ultimate price, taking her own life after the most abhorrent and relentless online hate. As her friends, we vowed to stand up to the trolls. Today I learnt that my mate Lee McKenzie has been subjected to it, which makes me angry, sad, but most of all more determined than ever.”
Pinkham went on to announce that the Flackstock festival—an event held in memory of Caroline Flack—will be collaborating with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) through the “United Against Online Abuse” campaign. This partnership aims to tackle the epidemic of online abuse through several initiatives, including the development of a safeguarding app, mental health support services, and a data-driven research project to better understand and combat the issue.
“In the meantime,” Pinkham added, “we would love you to join us on our mission to protect each other, our kids and ourselves online.”
Lee McKenzie’s bravery in sharing her personal struggles sheds light on a broader issue that affects many public figures—and increasingly, private individuals—across all walks of life. Online abuse, particularly when targeted at someone’s appearance or health, can have devastating effects. Her story serves as a stark reminder that words matter, and empathy and respect should prevail—both online and off.
In a world where digital platforms often blur the boundaries between critique and cruelty, McKenzie’s and Pinkham’s calls to action underscore the need for a collective stand against hate. As the F1 community continues to show its support, the hope is that more will recognize the importance of kindness, both on screen and behind it.