F1 commentator Jack Nicholls sacked by Formula E over ‘inappropriate behaviour’
BBC F1 commentator Jack Nicholls, pictured in 2022.
F1 commentator Jack Nicholls has been fired by Formula E after complaints were made against him over inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Nicholls’ departure had initially been confirmed prior to this weekend’s upcoming Jakarta ePrix, though the reasons behind it were not initially given by Formula E, with experienced commentator Ben Edwards announced as his replacement for the final rounds of the season.
Nicholls, who previously combined his Formula E work alongside F1 commentary for the BBC, was reported by the Times to have had his contract terminated less than a month after an independent investigation into complaints by three women who claimed to have been touched inappropriately by him.
One complaint reportedly came from a younger woman with whom Nicholls was in a relationship, which went against Formula E’s rules, while two further complaints were made by witnesses rather than those directly affected.
A Formula E spokesperson said: “Formula E can confirm that an investigation was carried out in response to complaints of inappropriate behaviour received about Jack Nicholls.
“Following this investigation, Jack Nicholls’ contract to provide race commentary was terminated.”
PlanetF1.com recommends
What time is the Spanish Grand Prix? Start time details and live stream
Nicholls said: “Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken. I want to take full responsibility for what I did and apologise unreservedly for a couple of isolated incidents that has made those concerned feel uncomfortable.
“I never meant any harm and I am committed to making amends and to be more mindful of my behaviour in future.”
Nicholls also works on radio coverage of F1 for BBC 5 Live, which is contracted to a third party, IMG, rather than directly through the BBC itself.
It is currently unclear whether or not Nicholls’ position with IMG or, by extension, the BBC will be affected as a result of the findings of this investigation, though he did not commentate on the weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix for 5 Live.