Behind the Mic: Stanmore Alumnus Chris McCarthy’s Rise in Motorsport

After studying TV and Film at Stanmore College, Chris McCarthy turned his passion for motorsport into a career in broadcasting. From commentating for F1 TV and the 24 Hours of Le Mans to founding an epilepsy fundraising initiative, Chris reflects on how his time at Stanmore College helped shape his career.

From Stanmore College to motorsport broadcasting

Chris studied the BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3 in TV and Film at Stanmore College from 2012 to 2014, after deciding that working in a kart shop was not the career for him. Keen to work in television, he was attracted to Stanmore College by the responsive course team and the practical opportunities available.

One of his favourite memories was directing a short film as part of his second-year project, working closely with classmates and tutors. He regularly stayed on after class to use the editing suites, developing projects that included filming at race tracks over weekends.

The course helped Chris build his technical skills, confidence and leadership abilities, giving him valuable experience that he would carry into his career. “Taking a leadership role in our projects helped me build the skills and confidence to eventually run my own magazine and charity event”, he explains.

A career spanning motorsport, television and publishing

Chris began commentating shortly after leaving Stanmore College, securing his first job at Kartmasters in August 2014. He gradually progressed through the ranks, moving into car racing in 2019 and advancing from Formula Renault to Formula 2 in 2025.

His route into F1 TV began with an Instagram message to commentator Alex Jacques in 2021. In May 2022, Chris commentated on Porsche Supercup at the Monaco Grand Prix, marking his first broadcast for F1.

Since leaving College, Chris has built a varied career across the industry, working as a third assistant director, runner, art assistant, clapper loader, producer, presenter, reporter and magazine editor. He went on to run Karting Magazine and now commentates for F1 TV and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Career highlights include working at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, fulfilling a long-held ambition, and commentating at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024. The latter was particularly special because his dad was among the approximately 300,000 spectators at the circuit who could hear him commentating.

Turning personal experience into positive change

Alongside his broadcasting career, Chris founded Purple Sectors, a fundraising initiative inspired by his experience of epilepsy.

In 2023, he decided to speak publicly about his condition for the first time, wearing an Epilepsy Society T-shirt at a race in Germany. The response from people affected by epilepsy encouraged him to create a supportive community within motorsport and help children with epilepsy experience opportunities in racing.

After pitching the idea to Young Epilepsy in early 2024, the initiative became a significant part of his life. Chris now hopes to expand Purple Sectors into multiple sports, helping more people access the support the growing team is developing.

His future ambitions include progressing to Formula 1 commentary and commentating at the French Alps 2030 Games.

Advice for future students

Chris encourages aspiring broadcasters to take the initiative and create their own opportunities. While at Stanmore, he and his classmates began filming races at Whilton Mill Kart Club, something that had not been done before and which continued after they stopped.

He recommends approaching local kart tracks, football clubs and rugby teams to offer help or ask to shadow someone in broadcasting. His advice to anyone considering Stanmore College is equally direct:

Chris’s journey highlights how the skills and opportunities gained at Stanmore College, combined with his determination to succeed and willingness to create his own opportunities, have helped him build a successful career in motorsport broadcasting.