Sky Sports F1 parts ways with Danica Patrick ahead of 2026 season

Sky Sports F1 has confirmed the departure of pundit Danica Patrick from its broadcast team ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The former IndyCar and NASCAR star, who joined the broadcaster's talent pool in 2021, will not return as she focuses on other projects, concluding her tenure after the 2025 US Grand Prix weekend.

Why it matters:

Patrick's exit marks a notable change for Sky's coverage, particularly for its broadcasts of the American races where she was a regular presence. Her tenure coincided with F1's explosive growth in the United States, and her departure comes as the broadcaster finalizes its talent lineup for the upcoming regulatory era in 2026.

The details:

• Patrick joined Sky's punditry team ahead of the 2021 United States Grand Prix, becoming a fixture for races in the Americas, including Canada and Mexico City.
• Career Focus: According to reports, the decision was driven by Patrick's desire to concentrate on other ventures outside of broadcast punditry.
• Controversial Figure: While a pioneering figure as the first woman to win an IndyCar race, Patrick has also drawn significant criticism in recent years for using her podcast platform to spread conspiracy theories and for her political activities during the 2024 U.S. election cycle.
• Netflix Role: She also appeared as a 'talking head' in Season 7 of Netflix's Drive to Survive, bridging the documentary series with the mainstream broadcast coverage.
• The rest of Sky Sports F1's on-air team and pundit pool is expected to remain unchanged for the coming season.

Looking ahead:

Patrick's move away from the broadcast booth underscores the evolving nature of F1's media landscape. While Sky's core team remains stable, her exit opens a slot for a fresh perspective, especially for the crucial North American market where F1 continues to prioritize engagement. The focus now shifts to how Sky will cover the American triple-header without one of its most recognizable U.S.-facing personalities.