Sky F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham chats role models and mum guilt ahead of Monaco Grand Prix

WELL this is rather nice, Natalie! Do you have to pinch yourself sometimes?

I do, it’s crazy. Monaco should be on everyone’s bucket list, whether you’re an F1 fan or not. There’s something quite magical and surreal about this place.

6

How much partying do you do here?

I learned the hard way. The first year, I partied hard and worked hard and I was broken.

So now I just have to take myself out of the party loop. I can stay out late, but if I drink then I feel horrific the next day.

It’s age and being a mum [to Wilf, three, and Willow, two]. I’m such a cheap date now – I’m tipsy after a spritzer.

6

You first covered F1 in 2011 – how has it changed for women since then?

I don’t think F1 needed to change that much because it’s a meritocracy. You walk through the paddock and meet some of the brainiest people: engineers, aerodynamicists, guys who don’t care what sex you are. As long as you’re good enough, you’re welcome here.

6

Will we see a woman competing in F1 soon?

100%. There’s no doubt that will happen. There’s nothing physical that precludes a woman from driving an F1 car.

Why has it not happened yet?

It’s about perception. It has to be deemed accessible to women. It’s only a matter of time.

6

You’re working with Sky on its #ShowUp campaign, which is about getting women playing and watching sport. What’s the key?

Role models. People have to have visible role models excelling in what they do, whether that’s driving or leading an F1 team or presenting. I think our sport has struggled in the past with the feeling it’s a bit of a boys’ club and it alienates women, but that’s changed.

6

Who was your role model growing up?

I was a runner, so Zola Budd was my hero. She was brave and young. Watching her run in the 1984 LA Olympics was my first sporting experience.

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You returned to work when Wilf was just six weeks old. How old was Willow when you came back?

I had to do some work when Willow was three weeks old. I couldn’t even remember my own name and was a mess. A lot of make-up was required and I literally just sat there and read an autocue. It was too soon actually. I think we put ourselves under ridiculous pressure.

What’s the one thing can an employer do to help working mums?

Supporting with childcare, because I think that’s our biggest issue. It’s bloody expensive. I remember the midwife saying that your placenta gets replaced by maternal guilt, so you feel guilty whatever you do.

6

Can you imagine having another baby someday?

My god, don’t! I don’t think so. I was quite poorly after both of them.

I feel lucky and like it’s our little team. It’s man-on-man marking [with managing director husband Owain Walbyoff, 35] as opposed to zonal!

• Sky Sports and Women’s Sport Trust are encouraging us to #ShowUp and support women in sport.