15 September 2023 , 06:30
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Accomplished Formula 1 reporter Jennie Gow has admitted that she's worried the BBC won't permanently rehire her after she suffered a stroke at the end of last year.
Gow, 46, is a familiar face and voice to avid F1 fans around the UK and worldwide, having worked for BBC Radio 5 Live as the station's pitlane reporter, as well as frequently appearing on the hit Netflix series, Drive to Survive. But after a stroke halted her career on December 29 last year, Gow has gone freelance and isn't contracted to her previous role.
After returning to BBC duties at the recent Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, the seasoned reporter - who revealed last month that she's developed dyslexia - has confessed that she's unsure over her future prospects because of things like increased fatigue at this stage of her recovery. Currently, she requires daily rests in order to be at her best.
"I'd love to go back at the start of next season but I don't know if that's realistic," Gow admitted in an interview with the Telegraph. "It's a question mark. I think we thought after Zandvoort we'd know for sure whether I could or we couldn't. But actually until the fatigue goes….I can't do a race weekend on my own.
"Then there are other questions? Will the BBC want me back? I'm freelance. I don't have a contract with anyone. I mean, they've said they would like to work with me, and figure out a way of doing things. But they don't have any obligation to do so."
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The F1 circuit keeps on moving at rapid pace, though, and the prospect of missing out on covering big moments is something which worries Gow. "When you see the paddock moving on, it's frustrating," the 46-year-old, who was also keen to stress how lucky she feels to be on the road recovery after a stroke, added.
Jennie Gow is now helping raise money to help those affected by strokes (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Stroke Association)"The sport goes to Vegas for the first time this year, and I'd love to be there. Or if Max [Verstappen] wins [his third world title] in Qatar, not being there will suck. Listening to someone else do [your job] is hard even if all my colleagues have all been amazing, going out of their way to be kind and stressing they are keeping the seat warm for me."
Gow recently announced that she's going to be taking part in the 3k Twilight Runway Challenge for UK charity Different Strokes at Blackbushe Airport, Yateley, this Saturday alongside her daughter. They've already smashed their initial target and are closing in on raising £1,000.
If you or a loved one have been affected by any issues related to strokes, you can contact The Stroke Association by calling their confidential helpline on 0303 3033 100 or [email protected].