Written by Ramiza Donlic, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the racing world to the present day. Woman Spotlight Wednesday aims to take a look at the tales of these superwomen, who have surpassed various hurdles to reach where they are today.
This week's article focuses on Lee McKenzie, a distinguished sports journalist known for her versatility, professionalism, and extensive knowledge across various sports. She has earned respect and admiration from audiences and colleagues alike, in a career spanning two decades.
Born on December 1, 1977, in Ayr, Scotland, McKenzie's passion for sports was evident from an early age. Her father was a sports journalist, naturally leading to her interest in sports and journalism. She pursued her education at Napier University, studying journalism, but she also sought to gain practical experience as early as possible.
McKenzie's journalism career started at the remarkably young age of 15, when she began writing rugby and equestrian columns while still completing her schooling.
Her work was good enough to be published, and she initially worked for free, eventually earning a nominal sum. She explained, "If you don’t ask, you don’t get." This early exposure to the industry, along with her determination and skill, set the stage for her future success.
After starting with the written word, McKenzie moved to a trainee role at Border TV. Despite her initial focus on writing for TV, she quickly adapted to the medium.
Within 12 months, she became the youngest person in the UK to present the news, reading the local morning bulletins into GMTV and progressing to the 6 O'Clock news. "It wasn’t really the plan as I like writing but it was another string to my bow and a new thing to learn," she recalled.
McKenzie's big break came when she joined the BBC, a move catapulting her into the national spotlight. She covered a wide range of sports at BBC, including rugby, tennis, and the Olympic Games. Her ability to report with depth and clarity across different sports disciplines set her apart from her peers.
In 2009, McKenzie became a prominent face in Formula 1 coverage, joining the BBC's F1 team as a pit lane reporter. Her role involved interviewing drivers, team principals, and other key figures, providing viewers with insightful and up-to-the-minute information during race weekends. Her expertise and calm demeanour under pressure earned her accolades and a loyal following among F1 fans.
Versatility has been the hallmark of McKenzie’s career. She has presented and reported on a broad array of major sporting events, including equestrian, motorsport, tennis, rugby, the Commonwealth Games, the Olympia Horse Show, Formula 1, Wimbledon, and the Six Nations Championship.
Her adaptability and deep understanding of these sports have made her a valuable asset to broadcasters like BBC Sport and Channel 4's Olympic and Paralympic coverage.
McKenzie's deep-seated love for motorsport is a defining aspect of her career. She once explained, "I love motorsport. I watch all forms of motorsport, it doesn’t really matter what’s on, I get excited about what it is. And I dip in and out every year, and I will watch Formula E.
“I’ve got friends who race in it, I’ve got friends who commentate on it, I know the teams, I know the drivers, and I still can’t quite get as excited about it as I would about a Formula 1 race. And I don’t know why that is, and I’m hoping that I’m wrong."
This quote encapsulates her genuine enthusiasm and critical perspective, highlighting her comprehensive understanding and emotional connection to the world of motorsport.
McKenzie has also penned a book titled “Inside F1”, which offers an insider's perspective on one of the most-watched sports on the planet. With some of the highest-paid athletes in the world, Formula One is a glamorous yet fiercely competitive arena.
Over more than a decade, McKenzie has been at the heart of it all. Her relaxed yet informative interview style has earned her respect among F1 presenters and interviewers, with drivers often requesting her for interviews due to her tough but fair approach.
In her book “Inside F1” McKenzie shares captivating stories from her career. She recounts sharing hire cars in GP2 with Lewis Hamilton, long before they both reached F1. She details a unique experience of taking a horse from England to Michael Schumacher's ranch in Switzerland for a western riding competition.
The book also covers her time filming with Max Verstappen when he was too young to legally drive on roads. Additionally, her humorous and brilliant interviews with Sebastian Vettel remain fan favorites. This book offers a rare glimpse into the world of F1 from someone who has lived and breathed the sport.
Lee is not only a natural broadcaster but also a highly regarded journalist. She has written features and comment pieces for almost all national newspapers, as well as numerous magazines and websites. Her eloquence and insight extend beyond the screen, earning her a reputation as a skilled writer.
Beyond her writing and TV work, McKenzie is in high demand as a corporate host, collaborating with blue-chip companies such as Castrol, JP Morgan, UBS, Investec, Braun, Mercedes-Benz, and McLaren Automotive.
She is also a familiar voice on radio, having presented BBC Radio 5 Live's Weekend Breakfast Show. Her distinctive Scottish accent has been used to voice numerous TV series and documentaries.
Away from work, Lee McKenzie is an accomplished equestrian, skier, and motorsport enthusiast. She has competed in eventing and show jumping and has served as a co-driver in the World Rally Championships. McKenzie made history by becoming the first female recipient of the Jim Clark Memorial Award, which acknowledges achievements within the world of motorsport and the motoring industry.
Lee McKenzie’s legacy in sports journalism is characterized by her trailblazing path, and the doors she has opened for future generations of female sports journalists. Her career serves as an inspiration for young journalists, particularly women aspiring to break into the predominantly male-dominated field of sports media.
Colleagues and sports professionals often speak highly of McKenzie. As former F1 driver and BBC pundit David Coulthard once remarked, "Lee brings a unique blend of knowledge, professionalism, and warmth to sports journalism. Her ability to connect with athletes and audiences alike is unparalleled. She's a true asset to any broadcast team."
Lee McKenzie is a testament to what passion, dedication, and versatility can achieve in sports journalism. Her extensive career, spanning multiple sports and major international events, has solidified her status as one of the most respected and admired figures in the industry. As she continues to break new ground and set high standards, her influence on sports journalism remains profound and enduring.