Formula E announced the return of Nicki Shields to its presenting line-up, who takes on the role of lead broadcast presenter for Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – the first-ever female lead presenter in the series’ history.
A familiar face since Formula E’s debut in 2014, Shields has been a prominent figure both on and off the track, balancing her passion for motorsport with life as a working mother.
With over a decade of experience as a sports broadcaster, a strong science background, and expertise as a respected car reviewer, Nicki Shields brings unmatched knowledge and passion to Formula E. In addition to capturing the excitement of on-track action, she provides viewers with valuable insights into how groundbreaking racetrack technology is driving innovation in the road cars of today.
Nicki’s achievements include becoming the first female media professional to drive a Formula E car and serving as the first female lead commentator for F1 Academy during its 2024 season. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, as well as STEM initiatives, she actively supports FIA Girls on Track, providing key insight, support, advice and knowledge for girls aiming to forge a career in motorsport.
Nicki Shields, said: “I vividly remember my first Formula E race in Beijing 2014, and 10 years later, my passion for the sport remains just as strong. I’m thrilled to return to Formula E as lead presenter for Season 11. It’s an honour to share the excitement and drama of this incredible sport with fans around the world. With our talented presenting team, we’re committed to bringing viewers closer to the action than ever before. Bring on São Paulo!”
Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said: “Nicki Shields has been a cornerstone of our broadcast team and a passionate advocate for what Formula E represents. Her promotion is testament to her own exceptional talent and dedication, as well as her ability to connect with fans. It also underscores Formula E’s commitment to breaking down barriers and creating meaningful opportunities for women in motorsport – evidenced by hosting the first-ever all-women’s test session for an FIA Championship in Madrid earlier this month. We’re thrilled to have Nicki lead our storytelling as we embark on another exciting season.”
Formula E TV presentation line-up
Nicki Shields will be joined by racing driver Billy Monger, who recently broke the Ironman record for a double amputee at the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, and rally driver Catie Munnings, who both made their debut presenting appearances in Season 10. Sports Commentator Tom Brooks also makes a return for Season 11.
Former F1 veteran David Coulthard will make guest appearances through the season, alongside ex-Formula E drivers Karun Chandhok and André Lotterer, former racing driver James Rossiter and former Formula E team boss Allan McNish to anchor the coverage on TNT Sports, ITV4, ITVX and all English-language Formula E programming around the world.
Pitlane reporters Saunders Carmichael-Brown and Alexa Randell also make a return, delivering exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews.
Formula E lands a new home on ITV
Formula E and ITV have also announced today a new free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK and Ireland, with all 16 E-Prix and Qualifying sessions for Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to be shown live across ITV4 and ITVX. Following the season start in São Paulo on 7th December, an all-new bespoke highlights show will run on ITV4 and ITVX following every race weekend,hosted by Nicki Shields.
As the series’ new free-to-air home for the UK, the broadcaster will host nine races live on ITV4, as well as an all-new bespoke highlights show after each race weekend.
More viewers tuned into live Formula E race coverage during Season 10 than ever before. Formula E’s global cumulative TV viewership is up 35% to 491m worldwide, with the Monaco race delivering Formula E’s highest-ever race audience at 40 million. The series has also seen a surge in its global fanbase to an average of 374m for the season, an increase of 23% from the previous season.
About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship:
As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.
The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet.
About ABB:
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
