FOX hires Steve Matchett to do Formula E

Steve Matchett

Steve Matchett, a former Formula One race mechanic and popular F1 television analyst, joins FOX Sports as a host for several FIA Formula E Championship races in 2018, beginning March 17 with Round 6 of the fully electric series from Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Matchett, author of a semi-autobiographical trilogy based around his years in the Formula One pit lane, where he was part of F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s championship teams in 1994 and 1995, is intrigued by the zero-emission fledgling international race series.

“Formula E is a relatively new FIA series — and anything new comes with a promise of excitement," Matchett said. “But, in Formula E’s case it’s also a unique form of motorsport: all-electric powered. Consequently, the sport ought to be treated as a unique series, for it’s really not possible to place it in any hierarchal structure. There’s no question, Formula E is still finding its place in this world, but I’m always interested in any new technology and, by extension, I’m interested to see how Formula E continues to grow, how it best utilizes and improves on this new gasoline-free technology."

Matchett, who returns to FOX Sports after more than a dozen years with SPEED Channel as part of its Formula One broadcast team and, most recently, as part of NBC Sports’ coverage of F1, recognizes the potential generational shift in technology that Formula E represents.

“The ancient Romans were pretty good at building viaducts; Formula One built some outstanding V12 piston engines, and I hear Elon Musk’s engineers have just put one of his cars in orbit," Matchett said. “Technical challenges may change from generation to generation, these depending on the needs of the moment, but the thrill of the challenge remains the same. In terms of future transportation and the future of international motor sport, we have to face the reality that change is not merely coming … it’s already here, it’s unfolding all around us. In light of all I’ve mentioned, I’m looking forward to covering the Formula E races. I’m interested to see what the future holds, how this promising series develops in the days, the months, the years to come."

In addition to Punta Del Este, Matchett, who will share hosting duties with Ralph Sheheen and Brian Till, currently is set to host FOX Sports coverage of Formula E from Rome (April 14) and Paris (April 28), possibly joining the team again for the season finale New York ePrix in Brooklyn on the FOX broadcast network.