F1 legends unite to honour Steve Rider as motorsport presenter retires

A number of both current and former Formula 1 drivers have come together to share messages of support for long-standing sports presenter Steve Rider, who recently announced his retirement.

Rider has worked for the likes of ITV, BBC, and Sky over a career that spanned more than 40 years. Amongst several other roles, he was the anchorman of ITV’s football coverage from 2006 to 2010 and moved into the broadcaster’s F1 coverage from 2006 to 2008. He was also ITV’s main presenter for the British Touring Car Championship from 2009 to 2025.

To mark the occasion, ITV shared a video of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, F1 champions Jenson Button, Damon Hill, Sir Jackie Stewart and Nigel Mansell, and Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, sharing their well-wishes for Rider.

Lando Norris

“Hi Steve, Lando here. I heard the news about your retirement, and you certainly deserve it. A guy who has been on the TV for many, many years – who I was watching as a kid – and I’m very proud to say that I got to work alongside you.

“From my early days in the Autosport Awards, from karting, up to Ginetta, the touring car package, probably all the way to now in Formula 1. It’s been a pleasure to work with someone so iconic, so legendary, and I wish you all the very, very best.”

Jenson Button

“Steve, you were there for my first race, and you were there for my last. Mate, it’s been an honour, and I hope you have an amazing retirement. You deserve it, buddy.”

Damon Hill

“Your commentary in your superb style, delivery, and perfect hair as well – I’m trying to obviously copy a bit! What a wonderful career, and I wish you all the best in your retirement.”

Steve Rider

Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images

Sir Jackie Stewart

“From Jackie Stewart and his whole family, many, many good times in the future – and I don’t think we’re not going to see you. I think you’re going to show up from time to time, and I certainly hope that will be the case. So, in the meantime, happy retirement.”

Nigel Mansell

“Many congratulations. You’re such a consummate professional. Everything we’ve ever done together in Formula 1, and the stuff you’ve done in golf. It’s been amazing. So, please enjoy your retirement. Tremendous best wishes from Roseanne and myself, and our family. We hope you have a great time.”

Oscar Piastri

“Hey Steve, I just want to wish you a very happy retirement and all the best. It’s been a while now since we’ve done some interviews together in F4, when I feel like I was just a kid still, some very cool memories. So, enjoy retirement, all the best, and yeah, enjoy whatever life holds.”

David Coulthard

“I wish you a wonderful retirement and hope to have the opportunity to have a beer with you in the future. All the best.”