How an unlikely F1 outsider gained acceptance

The worlds of entertainment and sport are distinctly separate and yet the element of entertainment within sport is often what puts a smile on faces. In recent years, there’s been a rise to that element within Formula 1, created by a superb mix of people.

In 2016 Jay Hunt, then boss of Channel 4, took control of terrestrial F1 coverage in the UK and wanted to make a distinct change to the way it was delivered on screen. While I kept my role as commentator, a new frontman was announced.

Steve Jones had been a successful TV presenter in the world of entertainment for some years when he received a call from Hunt: “She asked me if I liked F1 and I said, ‘Yes, I love it, I watch it all the time’. For anyone who wants a tip when it comes to the entertainment world, always say yes…”

In fact, Steve had very little knowledge of Formula 1. It was on in the background of the family household as he grew up, but his interests lay elsewhere. He loved music and entertainment, developing a reputation as a jovial and friendly presenter on T4, a youth-based Saturday morning show, and he went on to host X Factor USA.

“Initially I thought, ‘They’ve got the wrong guy here. I’m an entertainment presenter, this is a specialised subject’, but I do like a challenge so I focused. The thought of presenting something with jeopardy, and real passion from the audience, was very appealing. Entertainment is extremely important in making people laugh and think, but sport taps into something primal.”

At the time however, Formula 1 was a pretty serious business, and Steve’s light-hearted approach to some aspects of a race weekend did not go down well with everyone.

“There was a bit of backlash at the start with regards to my style, things like, ‘What is he doing? This isn’t F1!’ In fact, looking back, they were probably right.”

Steve Jones, Channel 4 F1

Photo by: GP Racing

Steve feels that in 2016 Formula 1 was more introspective and therefore his stance clashed with the underlying atmosphere. Over the course of the last five years, that has changed.

“There’s definitely been a shift in the sport since I arrived in Formula 1, and it’s just a happy coincidence, not my influence at all, it’s the young guys coming in.

“The difference between Steve in 2016 and Steve in 2020 is night and day. I remember in that first year asking David Coulthard ‘Who is Fangio again?’ He just stared at me and said, ‘Never say that aloud again; sit down at the computer and Google him right now’ - Steve Jones

“The likes of Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, George Russell, all want to be funny online, posting their memes and jokes. It’s had a huge influence, drawing people in, and teams like Mercedes and Haas are engaging in a similar way.”

Steve’s lack of in-depth knowledge of Formula 1 in 2016 did not prevent him winning a bet with the programme’s commander-in-chief. Mark Wilkin had worked alongside Murray Walker and James Hunt, and knew Formula 1 inside out; he put his money on Lewis Hamilton to win the title. Steve, on the other hand, went for Nico Rosberg, and the rest of us just shook our heads and smiled.

At the end of the season, it was Steve who had the biggest grin as Rosberg claimed the crown. Would he have made the same call if he had the experience he has now?

“No. That Steve in 2016 was an idiot; only an idiot would think that Nico would win in 2016. That call came from such an uninformed place, but in a way that’s how I got it right and how I won quite a bit of coin.

Steve Jones, Channel 4 F1

Photo by: GP Racing

“The difference between Steve in 2016 and Steve in 2020 is night and day. I remember in that first year asking David Coulthard ‘Who is Fangio again?’ He just stared at me and said, ‘Never say that aloud again; sit down at the computer and Google him right now’.

“I’ve worked hard at it, and I remember it all suddenly started to click into place. I’d get picked up by a taxi from the airport on returning home from a race and be asked questions by the driver and be unsure what to say, then suddenly I found myself informing the driver and giving him opinions.”

Steve has interviewed stars of screen, stage and Formula 1 over the years and finds a link in the aura exuded by the likes of Hollywood megastar Will Smith and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. So how has his relationship with Lewis developed over time?

“I was sitting at a bar with my wife in Abu Dhabi after the race in 2016 and Lewis walked by and completely blanked me. Since then, we’ve had numerous occasions in the paddock where we’ve acknowledged each other and had the odd fist bump. I think we’ve got there.

“After winning the title in Turkey last year, he came over to our spot in the paddock and started joking that, as it was me and DC, perhaps he’d give the interview a miss, but at the same time he was asking us how we were doing and having a laugh. We have developed the relationship and I enjoy his company.”

Working with Steve over the past five years has been a real pleasure, and although I have now stepped away from my commentating role, I intend to keep a close involvement with Formula 1.

I’ll be keeping an eye on Steve’s ability to draw out the funny side of this serious business, and with the younger generation of drivers doing the same, the entertainment side of F1 should continue to flourish.

Steve Jones, Channel 4 F1

Photo by: GP Racing