David Coulthard’s younger sister Lynsay (35) has died, British media report.
The former McLaren and Red Bull driver was reportedly told the bad news just before appearing live for an interview on a TV cooking show.
"He wanted to put on a brave face and just get the show done," said BBC commentator Coulthard’s agent.
The Sun newspaper said police believe Lynsay Jackson died after a sudden unexpected illness.
A spokeswoman said: "The circumstances are not believed to be suspicious."
Lynsay had a husband and young daughter.