Scarlett Archer Teen F1 Junior Reporter launches new podcast

Scarlett Archer is a presenter, actress, and voice over artist who began her professional acting career at the age of five on stage and moved into television and film.

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She is a regular presenter and reporter on the BAFTA award-winning show “FYI” on Sky News, where she has conducted high-profile interviews and reported from significant events.

In 2023, Scarlett made her motorsport debut as an F1 Junior at the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest stepping in as a commentator and grid reporter. She has interviewed legends like four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and McLaren CEO Zak Brown. She is a regular at E.ON Next and Veloce racing events, where she continues to inspire young people and empower women in motorsport.

In February 2025, she co-launched a motorsport podcast “Top of the Grid” with Amber Jones, sharing their experiences in the racing world.

Hi Scarlett, it’s so great to finally interview you! For those unfamiliar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of your role as a sportscaster and teen reporter.

I love climbing, indoor in the winter but outdoors in the summer. I also love baking and doing all sorts of crafts from painting pictures to painting pots. Travelling and meeting new people is also one of the things I absolutely love doing. My mum’s side of the family is Italian and German and going to Italy has to be one of my favourite places to travel. When we go we usually travel to the South to a lovely place called Puglia. The food, the people and the beaches are amazing. I love watching comedy on tele- Derry Girls is one of my favourite shows and also Gavin and Stacey. Of course, I love watching F1 and keeping up with that and current affairs when I’m working.

You currently have an amazing job covering the fast-paced world of F1 Racing—how did that come about?

I’ve always been interested in formula one, but growing up never really saw females being represented so I didn’t get into it as much as I could’ve. Lots of my family members love it so I used to sit with them and watch it.

An opportunity came up for to host a junior Formula 1 presenting team to appeal to a younger audience and I was delighted to be asked if I was interested.

Although I was interested in Formula 1 I had a lot of work to do. I studied everything about Formula 1 and even made myself driver cards. The opportunity to go to Budapest and interview all the drivers in the media pen and to try my hand at commentating and pitlane reporting was just unreal. I am a presenter and this just was the best.

What has been the single best moment for you as an F1 reporter?

I have two! It would either be meeting Sebastian Vettel at Silverstone and being able to see and sit in one of Aryton Senna’s old cars, which was absolutely incredible. It almost didn’t seem real. He was so kind and down to earth and it was just fantastic. My other favourite F1 memory would definitely be interviewing all of the drivers in the media pen in Budapest after the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Who is your favorite team and driver and why?

I really can’t pick one!! I’ve been to the McLaren technology centre a couple of times and absolutely love Lando and Max!! However, I also love Ferrari, I’m Italian and they are my mums favourite team, and of course I love Mercedes too.

What’s one misconception people have about F1 that you would like to clear up?

That only the drivers play an important role. They work incredibly hard and are constantly training, even between seasons. However, the track Marshalls and all the mechanics and engineers are what make it possible. Without just one of the people we see in the garages a whole car can be messed up. They all play a crucial role. The fans really make F1 incredible. They are at the races, online and pretty much always there.

Aside from sports racing, you also report for FYI Sky TV. Which story that you reported on has impacted you most personally?

I think it would have to be my documentary about the war in Ukraine. It was extremely eye opening and difficult to see people my age in such a devastating position. You see these things on the TV but they don’t feel real because it’s not directly affecting you, so to actually be there and see the devastating impact it’s having was heartbreaking and something I can’t ever forget.

Have you ever been star-struck? If so, please dish!

I think when I met Lewis Hamilton, I was really starstruck because just WOW! I mean who wouldn’t be starstruck! Also probably when I met Jude Law for a junket for the new Peter Pan and Wendy movie, that was awesome!

If you had a dream assignment as a reporter, what would it be?

It would have to be presenting a MAJOR awards show, like the Oscars!! That would be incredible. I would love to be a regular presenter on a tv show like Good Morning Britain. I got the opportunity to work with Josie Gibson recently and I loved the whole interaction and banter of non-scripted tv presenting.

As you probably know, TWK also has teen reporters. What advice would you give aspiring teen reporters looking for big assignments?

My best advice would be to just be yourself! It’s difficult to pretend to be a different character, and just less stressful for yourself to be authentic. Another tip is to be kind to everyone and throw yourself at every opportunity. Sometimes I get jobs that are really challenging, but I prepare myself as best as I can and give it my all.

In your opinion, which qualities do you possess that have led to your success?

The qualities I believe I possess is being focused, working hard all the time and being able to separate my school life from my work life. It’s all about having a good balance. I really enjoy meeting and getting to know new people all the time and I think that really helps with my presenting and interviewing.

Who are your biggest inspirations, both in the media world and beyond?

My biggest inspiration in Formula One would be Naomi Schiff and Natalie Pinkham. They are down to earth and a great role model for girls. I also admire Alex Crawford Sky Correspondent for her hard work and fearlessness when she travels to war torn countries. Simone Biles the American gymnast is also someone I admire. She has grit and determination and has worked so hard to get to where she is today.

What are your long-term goals, both media-wise and personally?

For work I would love to be a full time presenter and meet more people and travel more often.

As a teen in the spotlight, how do you handle social media pressures, trolls, or negative comments?

I work with my mum on my social media. I do see both positive and negative comments, but the positive comments always outweigh the negative comments which is what I focus on.

When you’re not working or studying, how do you like to unwind?

When I want to unwind, I love watching tv, reading and hanging out with my friends. I also love playing the piano and I’m always working on a new piece. I have the cutest nephews that I love hanging out with.

Name one cherished possession.

My most cherished possession has to be my dog Bella and my stuffed bunny called bunny that I got as a gift from my older sister when I was born.

How would you describe your fashion style?

My fashion style would be comfortable and casual. I also love to dress up for an event like an awards show or a wedding.

Best place you’ve ever travelled to and why?

The best place I have ever travelled to was China and Singapore. I have never been to a country like that before and I liked how different it was to the UK where I live.

Favorite snack?

My favourite snack is fruit. I love mango, lychee, raspberries and basically every fruit. I also love Taki’s even though they are quite unhealthy.

What’s one food you absolutely refuse to eat and why?

I refuse to eat mushrooms. I can’t stand the smell of them when they are being cooked and the texture is awful.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I think people might be surprised that I can say the alphabet backwards, and I can speak two languages, I’m only 4 years older then my nephews. My brother and my sister are in their 40’s.

Can you give us a sneak peek of what you’re working on next, whether it’s reporting or otherwise?

I hope to continue my work with F1 Kids, continue my work with E.ON Next and Veloce racing and a brand new venture. I have started a podcast with a fellow F1 Presenter Amber Jones.

Top of the Grid is a podcast and social channel founded by presenters, Amber Jones and Scarlett Archer to uncover the

untold stories of the trailblazers shaping the future of motorsports and the automotive industry. With a special spotlight on female talent, the duo dives deep into the journeys of women breaking barriers in the male dominated industry whilst also celebrating the inspiring stories of standout men who are making their mark.