Jack Nicholls not part of BBC team for Spanish GP this weekend

Jack Nicholls, the BBC commentator sacked by Formula E for alleged inappropriate behaviour, is not scheduled to feature on 5 Live’s BBC’s Spanish Grand Prix coverage this weekend.

A BBC source denied suggestions he had been stood down from coverage this weekend. Instead it was clarified that he had not been scheduled.

Nicholls was missing from Radio 5 Live’s Monaco Grand Prix coverage last weekend and also deleted his social media accounts before it came to light that an inquiry had taken place into his behaviour.

One of the three allegations was reported to have been a younger member of staff who was in a relationship with Nicholls, in breach of the all-electric series guidelines.

The BBC’s F1 team appeared to have been caught unawares by the allegations which were all raised within Formula E. Two of the complaints were said to have been made by witnesses rather than those affected.

A BBC source said “Jack made the decision to step back from commentating at the weekend”, but he remains at the BBC as a freelancer. The corporation had not received any complaints about his conduct, which emerged as he was preparing to broadcast on 5 Live last week.

He has been a regular on BBC coverage since 2016 as part of a team which includes Jolyon Palmer, a former F1 driver, and Jennie Gow.

A Formula E spokesman said: “Formula E can confirm that an investigation was carried out in response to complaints of inappropriate behaviour received about Jack Nicholls. Following this investigation, Jack Nicholls’s contract to provide race commentary was terminated.”

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour have taken place at locations around the world.

Nicholls said in a statement: “Although disappointed with the decision, I respect it and accept why it was taken. I want to take full responsibility for what I did and apologise unreservedly for a couple of isolated incidents that has made those concerned feel uncomfortable.

“I never meant any harm and I am committed to making amends and to be more mindful of my behaviour in future.”