Danica Patrick steps away from Sky Sports F1 broadcast role

Danica Patrick has clarified that her absence from Sky Sports F1's 2026 broadcast lineup was her own decision, ending a five-year stint with the network. The former driver stated she called after the 2025 finale to say it was time to move on, expressing gratitude for the experience that deepened her fandom for the sport.

Why it matters:

Patrick's departure marks a notable shift in the broadcast landscape, removing one of the most recognizable American voices and a prominent female perspective from a major F1 coverage team. Her tenure coincided with a significant growth period for the sport in the U.S., and her presence helped bridge the gap for new fans from NASCAR and IndyCar backgrounds.

The details:

• Patrick joined the Sky Sports F1 team in 2021, making her debut at the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
• In a social media statement, she reflected positively on the experience, calling it "a blast" and thanking the Sky team.
• She explicitly noted that the decision to leave was her own, countering assumptions that the broadcaster had made a change for the new season.
• Her Legacy: As the most successful woman in American open-wheel racing history, Patrick brought a unique driver's perspective, particularly on oval racing and the American motorsport scene.
• The New Lineup: Sky Sports F1's confirmed 2026 on-air team retains its core of David Croft, Martin Brundle, and Simon Lazenby, while integrating other experts like reigning F1 Academy champion Jamie Chadwick.

What's next:

Patrick plans to remain an engaged viewer, stating she will be "glued to my TV" for the new season. Her exit opens opportunities for other voices within Sky's extensive analyst roster to feature more prominently. For Patrick, she continues her Pretty Intense podcast and other broadcasting ventures, leaving the door open for potential guest appearances in the F1 media sphere in the future.