Who is Naomi Schiff? Everything You Need to Know About the Sky Sports F1 Presenter

Naomi Schiff is a Belgian racing driver and television presenter, currently working with Sky Sports F1 in the UK. Born in Belgium on May 18, 1994, she moved to South Africa at the age of four, where she began her journey in motorsports. Throughout her career, she has competed in various racing formats, including the W Series.

Rising to Prominence in Formula 1 Coverage

After sporadically appearing on Sky Sports F1 in previous years, Schiff took on a full-time role with the network in 2023. Her debut in 2022 was met with a positive response from audiences, leading to her permanent appointment as part of Sky Sports’ presenter shake-up. As she joined the team, longtime presenters Johnny Herbert and Paul Di Resta stepped down.

Naomi Schiff’s Racing Career

Naomi’s racing career began in South Africa, where she competed in Formula Volkswagen. Over the years, she has raced in several competitions, including the RC Formula and Supercar Challenge Superlights. Notably, she participated in endurance races like the 24 Hours of Zolder and the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. In 2019, she raced in six Grands Prix in the W Series and served as a reserve driver in 2021.

Battling Online Abuse

Despite her success, Schiff has faced online abuse, particularly targeted at her racing credentials. In 2022, a troll criticized her background, but the F1 community quickly rallied in her defense, led by Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion praised Schiff’s qualifications and highlighted the need for more diverse representation in motorsports broadcasting. Hamilton emphasized the importance of supporting women in this traditionally male-dominated sport.

Dual Nationality and Family Background

Naomi holds both Belgian and Rwandan nationality. She was raised by her father, David, a former racing driver, and her mother, Alice. Despite her father’s racing background, Naomi insists he never pressured her to pursue motorsports. She is currently unmarried.

Social Media Presence

As her television career has flourished, Naomi has built a significant social media following. With over 161,000 followers on Instagram, she frequently shares updates from her career. In February 2023, she posted about co-hosting the Mercedes W14 launch alongside fellow Sky F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham.

Naomi Schiff’s First Car

In a lighthearted moment on Sky Sports, Naomi revealed that her first road car was a Volkswagen Polo, which she fondly described as a beloved “people’s car” – fitting for someone with her approachable and personable nature.

Source: https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/101952/naomi-schiff/