As the popularity of Formula 1 continues to surge worldwide, Sky Sports has announced a brand-new nationwide competition designed to spotlight the next big voice in motorsport content creation. The broadcaster is searching for a “Grid Insider” – a creator who will join the action across Sky Sports F1 during the 2026 season.
The competition gives passionate F1 creators the chance to showcase their storytelling skills and deep knowledge of the sport on one of the biggest broadcasting platforms in motorsport.
To kick off the campaign, Sky Sports released a playful spoof auditions tape featuring legendary F1 broadcaster Martin Brundle alongside fellow Sky Sports F1 presenters and experts including Jenson Button, Natalie Pinkham and Bernie Collins. The video also includes appearances and easter eggs from well-known personalities within the F1 community, including actor Peter Capaldi.
The initiative reflects how much the sport’s global growth has been fuelled by passionate online communities, creators and fan-led storytelling across social media.
What the Winning Creator Will Do
The successful Grid Insider will gain exclusive access to the world of Sky Sports F1 during the 2026 season, including several high-profile opportunities such as:
-
Presenting a segment on The F1 Show
-
Hosting an episode of Paddock Pass across Sky Sports F1 social channels
-
Appearing as a guest on The F1 Show Podcast
-
Hosting an official Sky Sports F1 Watch Party for a Grand Prix
-
Experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes race weekend with the Sky Sports team
For aspiring motorsport creators, the competition offers a rare opportunity to step inside the paddock and share their perspective with millions of F1 fans.
How the Competition Works
Creators who want to enter can apply via the official Sky Sports page: https://skysportsgridinsider.sky.com
Applicants will need to explain why they should become the first Grid Insider. After an initial shortlist is selected by the Sky Sports F1 team, candidates will then face a creative challenge: producing a piece of content that highlights their personality, expertise and entertainment value.
That could mean delivering analysis similar to Ted Kravitz’s famous notebook segments, offering race strategy insight like Bernie Collins, or even trying to rival commentator David Croft’s iconic “lights out and away we go” call.
Ultimately, the winner will be decided through a public vote, with the announcement set to take place live on air during the F1 season.
Jenson Button Welcomes New Creator Talent
Former F1 world champion and Sky Sports analyst Jenson Button believes the competition reflects how creator culture has transformed the sport.
“The explosion of F1’s popularity is in large part due to the growing creator and fan community. Sky Sports has launched this competition which is an unbelievable opportunity for a creator with passion and genuine knowledge of the sport to show that they can entertain, inform and deliver on the biggest stage.”
Button added that he is looking forward to seeing the creativity and personality contestants bring before welcoming the winner to the team.
F1 content creator Bella James also praised the initiative, encouraging fans and storytellers to take part.
“As someone who has been creating content around F1 for three years now, it’s brilliant to see Sky Sports opening the door to creators in a meaningful way.”
Formula 1 Returns to Sky Sports in March
The competition arrives just ahead of the new Formula 1 season, with full coverage returning to Sky Sports and NOW from 6 March. Fans will once again be able to watch every practice session, qualifying round and Grand Prix live.
For creators hoping to turn their passion for motorsport into a broadcasting opportunity, the Grid Insider competition could be the ultimate route onto the Formula 1 stage.
Apply here: https://skysportsgridinsider.sky.com
