Controversial F1 pundit breaks silence on Sky Sports exit on eve of recent season
Danica Patrick has confirmed she has stepped away from her role as an F1 pundit for Sky Sports after five years, with the former NASCAR and IndyCar speaking out about the move
Danica Patrick has stepped away from Sky Sports duties(Image: Simon Galloway, LAT Imagesvia Getty Images)
Former NASCAR driver and Formula 1 pundit Danica Patrick has spoken out after it was revealed she wouldn’t be part of Sky Sports’ coverage for the new season. The 43-year-old has disclosed that she chose to walk away and is planning to redirect her focus towards other ventures.
Patrick had been a member of British broadcaster Sky Sports’ F1 team since 2021, but was omitted from a press release issued earlier this week announcing the pundits for the upcoming F1 season, which kicks off in Australia this weekend. The commentator had proved controversial among many viewers due to her political views and promotion of conspiracy theories.
Patrick has repeatedly faced calls from fans demanding her dismissal, including occasions when her remarks left her co-presenter Jenson Button looking uncomfortable on camera.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
However, it appears Patrick herself chose to leave Sky’s coverage. The former IndyCar competitor shared how enjoyable she’d found the position.
Writing on Instagram, Patrick said: “From my first @skysportsf1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast! The sky team was so much fun (thank you all), I saw so many amazing new race tracks and cities, and got to be part of a huge boom in F1!
“I called after the last race in 2025 and said it was time for me to move on and I was so grateful for the opportunity and experience I was given!”.
“….and now due to my deep exposure to F1, I will be glued to my tv for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan!
“I felt like I had taken in a great experience in F1 and was ready to have more time for other projects and interests,” she added to the Associated Press
“I am building a new company. I am also new to a couple of boards with big plans, and very busy punishing myself by learning new sports like tennis, golf, and skiing.”
Sky’s discounted Formula 1 package
Formula 1 fans can watch every practice, qualifier and race live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an introductory deal that saves £336.
As well as Sky Sports access, this includes around 100 TV channels and free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
Patrick has been part of a rotating team of analysts used by Sky Sports in recent seasons, typically covering races in North America. She’s a well-known figure in the area due to her status as one of the most recognisable female racing drivers and a race winner in IndyCar.
Despite Patrick’s departure, there are no fresh faces joining the broadcaster’s line-up for the upcoming season. Naomi Schiff is set to return as an analyst after maternity leave caused her to miss the latter part of the 2025 season.
Presenter Natalie Pinkham is also due to make a comeback at the Japanese Grand Prix later this month, following a six-month break after neck surgery.
