Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes forced into emergency surgery in Azerbaijan

Sky Sports' Formula 1 presenter Rachel Brookes has revealed she underwent emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis in Baku. Brookes, known for her extensive work covering Grand Prix events, was set to appear on camera during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix coverage but had to step back due to health issues.

Taking to social media, Brookes informed her followers about the situation: "So I landed here Tuesday night and felt poorly. Thought it was just nasty food poisoning but yesterday found out that I had appendicitis and needed surgery.

"I've had the appendectomy and all good. Just want to say a massive thanks to all my colleagues at Sky Sports F1 for stepping up, stepping in to cover and sending me so many messages. We really do have the best team!

"And also to Sky as a company for pulling out all the stops to get me the best care and flying out my sister for support. So, basically, that's why I wasn't on the coverage this weekend... see you all in Texas."

Brookes thanked the medical staff who took care of her: "And the hugest of thankys to the amazing staff at Liv Bona Dea hospital in Baku. I could not have felt in safer hands. From my surgeon, Elgun, to my anaesthetist, Madina, to all the nurses who downloaded Google Translate so we could communicate.

"To Ayshan, Yazgul, Shovgia, Humay and Osman - you were more than any patient could wish for. Also to Formula Medicine and all the medical staff at the Baku Circuit, you were fantastic."

Brookes will be notably absent from this weekend's Sky coverage, with regular commentator David Croft also missing from the team, reports the Mirror. However, Croft's absence because he is celebrating his honeymoon after recently getting married.

Stepping in for Croft is Harry