Interview: Natalie Pinkham

Natalie Pinkham is a familiar face to both F1 fans and drivers, with her smiley face being one of the first the drivers see after their race. The bubbly brunette joined Sky Sports F1's coverage for 2012 after moving from BBC 5 Live, and she loves it. Recently married, Natalie is an adrenaline junky and loves a challenge.

Working alongside lifelong best friend Georgie Thompson, Natalie was more than happy to answer some questions I had. After seeing her at the Sky Sports F1 Press Day, she was kind enough to accept my request for some questions to be sent to her. Natalie opens up about working with Georgie, the thrills and spills of her job in the pit lane and her predictions for the title.

Jack Leslie: Firstly thanks for answering my questions Natalie, have you always been a fan of Formula 1 and what was your first experience of the sport?

Natalie Pinkham: I've been a Huge fan of F1 from a very young age. I have an older brother who has always been into cars. I knew if I shared his interest I would get to hang out with him, which was always cool! We grew up near Silverstone so went to the British GP at the age of 10. Loved the sounds, smells and excitement of it all - so been hooked ever since.

JL: You have done a wide variety of challenging things, including Dancing On Ice, are there any other challenges that you would love to do in the future (maybe drive an F1 car?)

NP: I love to go out of my comfort zone and try something new. Eleanor Roosevelt once said ' do something every day that scares you' I try to live by that mantra. I want to go to the South Pole. Hopefully I will next year. 

JL: Looking at your role in Formula 1, what do you think are the 3 best qualities needed for your job?

NP: Tenacity, passion and a comfortable pair of shoes.

JL: For 2012 you have been reunited with your good friend Georgie Thompson at Sky Sports F1, did you ever think when you were growing up that you would be working together?

NP: It has been a dream come true working with my best friend. There is a lot of travel with our job - and it can be emotionally quite tough being away from your nearest and dearest - but Georgie's company always puts a smile on my face.

JL: You have interviewed a range of drivers for the BBC and Sky, which ones of the current crop do you enjoy interviewing the most?

NP: My podium of drivers would be Mark Webber, Bruno Senna and Jenson Button - all are fair, honest and more often than not have a smile on their faces...mind you the same can be said for Daniel Riccardo, Pedro De La Rosa, Heikki Kovalainen and many more...

JL: Whats a usual Grand Prix weekend Friday like for you? Take us through your day, it must be very busy.

NP: Friday is the busiest day as there are two practice sessions and the F1 show to film. Its pretty full on but great. If its raining we have plenty of time to fill so have to be creative and resourceful with interviews.
 

JL: Its a hard life for Natalie Pinkham, chilling with Paul Di Resta on a yacht in Monaco, Doing donuts in a Caterham sports car, what have been the highlights of 2012 so far?

NP: Each week is different and the drivers are great to interview as they are all intelligent, articulate guys who are real team players - I guess you have to be in F1. Monaco and Silverstone have probably been my favourite races of the year so far. I get to stay with my folks at Silverstone which is always a bonus...Monaco is packed full of fun, including hiring a Ferrari with Martin Brundle and take it for a spin in and around the principality...plus it was great to see Webber win there.

JL: We have now passed the half way mark of 2012, how would you rate how Sky Sports F1 have done so far?

NP: We all work our socks off, and I do think we have made some TV to be proud of. We have a very strong team work ethic, so we all pull together to get the job done. The BBC (and ITV before them) do a fantastic job on F1, and we set high standards for ourselves, so we are always looking for ways to make the best features, interviews, and race coverage for the fans. If they are happy, then so are we.
 

JL: Looking back at the 11 races of 2012, who has impressed you the most this season?

NP: I think its hard to look beyond Alonso. He has got the very best out of what was arguably not a great car at the start of the season. He has been exceptional.

JL: Finally, at the Sky Sports F1 Press Day in February (which I attended, pleasure meeting you all!) you all unanimously tipped Vettel for the title. Half way through the season, has your prediction changed?

NP: Yes! Alonso. Although I am sure others will take the fight to him. Its a shame that Webber as had two tough races of late. You can never write him or Hamilton off though. All such great competitors.

I would like to thank the lovely Natalie for answering my questions. Follow her on twitter here, and check out her website here.