Sky Sports Formula 1 presenter Naomi Schiff has discussed how she dealt with being subject to hateful comments from social media trolls.
The versatile racing driver has received disgraceful racist messages, as well as being told she has only been successful in her line of work because of her race or gender.
Lewis Hamilton has also received similar online hate and has stood shoulder to shoulder with Schiff in the fight to stamp out racist abuse.
Last year, abusive behaviour within F1 spiked, and the ‘Drive it Out’ campaign was launched to help highlight and tackle the issue.
GiveMeSport VIDEO OF THE DAY
Lewis Hamilton looks set to extend his current Mercedes deal
Schiff spoke to GIVEMESPORT about her experience and discussed what helped her get through what was a hugely difficult time in her life.
“It’s a tough one, because going into it, I considered myself someone with very tough skin and I always used to think I would be one of those people who wouldn’t let the comments section get to me, because I knew who I was and what I was about,” she explained.
“But then, when you find yourself faced with all of that, it’s quite intense, and you might doubt yourself and potentially lose yourself a little bit in that situation.”
Schiff then said she felt “very lucky” to receive the outpouring of support that followed.
She also stood strong on Twitter, responding to a particular comment in an unbothered manner and publicly thanked those who supported her.
Hamilton joined the many standing in her corner and posted a tweet praising her F1 coverage, as well as calling for better attitudes towards diversity in sport.
“Naomi is an ex-professional racing driver and totally qualified to give her opinion as part of the Sky team,” the seven time world champion wrote.
“She’s been a great asset since joining, and we should welcome more representative broadcasting with open arms.
“Still have a long way to go to change these attitudes in sport.”
Schiff stressed how much the positivity and backing from others in the industry helped her rebuild after being knocked back by the hateful comments.
She also gave some advice to other women who have been affected by online abuse, as sadly, this is all-too common in male-dominated sports industries.
F1 presenter Naomi Schiff
“That was obviously a massive re-boost of my confidence and helped reposition things to where they needed to be,” Schiff continued.
“I felt super supported by my environment and respected by the people that mattered, and that kind of gave me the confidence to keep going, even if a minority of people were trying to break me down.
“So I guess to other women, I would say it’s important to just surround yourself with people who matter and care about you and seek advice from them in those moments because it just takes the people that really matter to you, reminding you in those moments, what you’re worth, and then you can bounce back.”
F1’s Naomi Schiff felt “supported” by Lewis Hamilton after he slammed abusive posts
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer