Since 2019, Laura Winter has been the cheerful face of F1 TV, the streaming service of Formula 1’s rights holder FOM. In addition to her work in the paddock, the Brit also works for other TV channels and enthusiastically reports on her other passions: cycling and rugby. “I’m living my dream.”
Where does your love for Formula 1 come from and how does it relate to your other passions?
Laura Winter: “Growing up, I lived and breathed sports, from swimming to rowing, cycling, athletics, tennis, and the Olympic Games. F1 was one of the sports I followed, but not as closely as others. However, my passion for motorsport quickly grew when I first set foot in the F1 paddock. I immediately fell in love with the sport; the speed, the drama, the thrill, the teamwork, the constant pursuit of perfection, the harmony between driver and car and all those who make the seemingly impossible possible, the perfect skill of the drivers, the brilliant like-minded people in the paddock… I feel very much at home in F1.”
You’ve become the face of F1 TV, a channel with a global reach. Do you notice the impact of this on your personal life?
“Oh, that’s very kind to say! It has undoubtedly changed my life in a very positive way and I am very grateful for the platform I have and those who support me. Of course, you also have to deal with the negative side of social media. The cruel and unkind reactions should never be accepted and it’s sad to say, but you develop a thick skin and learn to ignore the worst. As a female presenter, I also feel an additional responsibility. For example, if I make a small mistake on air, I feel it reflects on the capabilities of other women in the TV world. They say women have to work twice as hard to be taken half as seriously and I have certainly experienced that. But I am proud of the level I show. I know I have earned the right to be where I am now.”
‘I’m Living My Dream!’
What are your ambitions when it comes to your work on TV?
“I’m living my dream! F1 feels like home and I want to report on it for a long time, but I love the variety of work I do. From motorsports to cycling, the Olympic Games, rowing, rugby, and much more. I want to keep doing this for as long as possible. Recently covering the Olympic Games in Paris as a swimming reporter was a dream I had on my bucket list, so I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.”
What do you think of the intense life that comes with Formula 1?
“It’s definitely super intensive, but I love that. Traveling is both the best and worst part of the job. You get to see beautiful parts of the world that aren’t necessarily holiday destinations, you experience different cultures and lifestyles, and you meet people from all over the world. On the other hand, you have the jet lags, the physical strains, the delays, and being away from home often. I’m lucky that my partner also works in the sports world, so we understand and respect each other’s work. But missing time with friends and family can be hard, those are choices you sometimes have to make. Over time, I’ve become more resilient and better at dealing with this.”
‘Max is the Fiercest’
Finally, how do you view Max Verstappen, as a driver on the circuit and as a person to work with off the circuit?
“Max is the fiercest and one of the best drivers the sport has ever seen. We ran out of superlatives to describe him in 2023. What he has achieved, the way he drove, the sparkling, millimeter-perfect qualifying rounds, the maturity, and calmness. We see that Max is being tested much more this year, which reveals another fascinating and sometimes controversial aspect of his driving personality. When interviewing, he is courteous and professional, but always straightforward, even if a race weekend doesn’t go his way. He is unique in his kind and has already secured himself a prominent place in the history books of this sport.”
