Inside F1 Host Natalie Pinkham’s Royal Ties and Caroline Flack Promise
Natalie Pinkham is set to return to Sky Sports’ Formula 1 coverage after a lengthy recovery. She will present at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, scheduled for March 27 to 29.
Health setback and recovery
Pinkham withdrew from duties after doctors warned of possible permanent nerve damage. A disc was pressing on her spinal cord and required major neck surgery.
She spent about five months in rehabilitation. Medical clearance has allowed her to resume long-haul assignments.
Return to the paddock
The presenter announced her comeback on Instagram. She said Suzuka is a favourite venue and expressed excitement to be back.
Pinkham has worked on Sky Sports’ F1 coverage for 14 years. She progressed from pit-lane reporting to main presenting roles.
Broadcast team
She forms part of a presenting line-up that includes Simon Lazenby and Martin Brundell. The team also features former head of strategy Bernie Collins.
Sky Sports provides broadcast coverage every race weekend.
Family and background
Pinkham was born in Buckinghamshire. Her mother practised law and her father worked in property development.
Her elder brother, Sam, has hosted an early morning show on Virgin Radio. He also appears on Channel 5’s Holiday Homes In The Sun and covers Radio 2 shifts.
She married businessman Owain Walbyoff after an engagement in November 2010. The couple married two years later and have two children.
Their son Wilf was born in January 2015. Daughter Willow arrived in June 2016. Daniel Ricciardo is Wilf’s godfather.
Pinkham has admitted she returned to work too soon after Willow’s birth. She described that early return as a difficult period.
Friendship with Caroline Flack
Pinkham was a close friend of TV presenter Caroline Flack. They first met while working on the European Poker Tour in 2005.
Flack died by suicide in February 2020 at age 40. Pinkham helped establish Flackstock with Dawn O’Porter.
The one-day music festival raises funds for mental health charities. Pinkham says she keeps Flack’s memory alive and follows a “What would Flacky do?” approach.
She has also made a Caroline Flack Promise to continue talking about mental health and supporting related causes.
Royal links and social circle
Pinkham often appears at events with Zara Tindall, the King’s niece. They have been part of the same social group for years.
She has praised Tindall as an exceptionally hands-on mother to her three children. They have been photographed together at occasions such as the Cheltenham Festival.
Filmogaz.com will follow Pinkham’s return at Suzuka and report further updates from the paddock.
