• Search aims to unearth a creator from the heart of F1’s social community
• Winning creator will feature on Sky Sports F1 coverage during the 2026 season
• Martin Brundle OBE, Jenson Button and Lewi… sorry, Anthony Capaldi star in spoof auditions tape to kick start the Grid Insider competition

Sky Sports has launched its first ever nationwide competition to find a standout creator to feature on the biggest stage in broadcasting when it comes to motorsport; Sky Sports F1.

To kick start the search for a Grid Insider, Sky has unveiled a spoof auditions tape (linked here), featuring king of the grid Martin Brundle OBE, alongside fellow Sky Sports F1 team members Jenson Button, Natalie Pinkham and Bernie Collins. The tape also stars prominent creators and easter eggs from the world of F1, including a certain Mr. Capaldi.

The competition aims to uncover a fresh voice from the heart of F1’s social community with sharp storytelling instincts and deep knowledge of the sport ready to share their POV to millions of fans who engage with Sky Sports F1.

The role, which will be for the 2026 season, will see the winning creator:

• receive a one-off opportunity to present a segment on The F1 Show
• host an episode of the Paddock Pass across Sky Sports F1 socials
• feature as a guest on The F1 Show podcast 
• host an official Sky Sports F1 Watch Party for a Grand Prix
• enjoy a money-can’t-buy behind-the-scenes experience at a race weekend, in true Sky Sports fashion.

To apply, aspiring creators can visit skysportsgridinsider.sky.com to find out more and submit an entry explaining why they should become the first Grid Insider. A shortlist will be selected by the Sky Sports F1 team, before a challenge being set; create a piece of content that showcases their creativity, know-how and ability to entertain.

Whether that’s delivering a Notebook to rival Ted Kravitz, strategic insight to match Bernie Collins or even attempting to outdo Crofty’s iconic “lights out and away we go”, the public will ultimately decide the winner via a public vote with the creator being announced live on air during the season.

Jenson Button, Sky Sports F1 expert, said: “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. 

"I am really looking forward to seeing the creativity and personality creators bring as well as welcoming the eventual winner to the team this season."

Bella James, content creator, added: “As someone who has being creating content around F1 for three years now, it's brilliant to see Sky Sports opening the door to creators in a meaningful way. I would encourage anyone who loves the sport and has a passion for storytelling to put themselves forward.”

The competition launches ahead of Formula 1 returning to Sky Sports and NOW from 6 March with unrivalled live coverage of every practice, qualifying session and Grands Prix.

To apply to be the Sky Sports Grid Insider, creators can head to: skysportsgridinsider.sky.com

Notes to editors

• The auditions tape content was filmed and produced by After Party Studios
• For full terms and conditions, please visit the website here
• For any further enquiries, please contact: Jeremy.nestor@sky.uk and Gia.sangani@sky.uk