Danica Patrick has publicly addressed her sudden departure from Formula 1 broadcaster Sky Sports, which occurred mere days before the commencement of the highly anticipated 2026 racing season. The former IndyCar and NASCAR champion, now 44 years old, took to Instagram to reflect on her five-year journey with the network, expressing both gratitude and excitement for the future.
A Fond Farewell to Sky Sports F1
"From my first @skysportsf1 race in Austin to my last five years later… I had such a blast!" Patrick wrote in her emotional social media post. She extended heartfelt thanks to the entire Sky team, reminiscing about the incredible race tracks and cities she visited, and highlighting her role in what she described as "a huge boom in F1." Patrick confirmed that she initiated the conversation after the final race of the 2025 season, stating it was time to move on while remaining deeply appreciative of the opportunity.
Political Alignment and Viewer Division
In recent months, Patrick has become increasingly vocal about her political beliefs, closely aligning herself with the MAGA movement and former President Donald Trump. This forthright stance has reportedly left Formula 1 viewers divided whenever she appeared on screen. Her involvement extended beyond commentary; she actively campaigned for Trump, even traveling on his private jets to rallies, and recently delivered a speech at a Turning Point USA 'Americafest' event that included unconventional anecdotes about past life regression.
Sky Sports' 2026 Lineup Revealed
The UK broadcaster officially unveiled its lineup for the 2026 season on Wednesday, with Patrick notably absent from the list of hosts and analysts. The announcement came just ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which serves as the curtain-raiser for the new season. Sky's roster retains fan favorites like Martin Brundle, who will continue his iconic 'Grid Walk,' alongside returning analysts such as Naomi Schiff after maternity leave and Natalie Pinkham following neck surgery.
Broadcasting Changes in the United States
While Sky Sports remains the official UK broadcaster for Formula 1, its feed has historically been shown in the United States as part of ESPN's coverage. However, this season marks a significant shift, with Apple TV taking over US coverage. Apple TV will primarily utilize F1TV's feed for American viewers, while still offering Sky Sports as an alternative broadcast option, potentially altering Patrick's reach among stateside audiences.
Patrick's Controversial Social Media Activity
Beyond her political engagements, Patrick has stirred controversy through her social media posts. She recently trolled Canada's silver medal-winning hockey stars after the Winter Olympics, suggesting that if Canada had become "the 51st State," they would have won gold. Additionally, she strongly criticized singer Billie Eilish following Eilish's anti-ICE speech at the Grammys, sharing multiple critical messages from Eilish's detractors on her platforms.
A Legendary Racing Career
Despite the broadcasting exit, Patrick's legacy in motorsport remains untarnished. Widely regarded as one of the greatest female drivers of all time, she made history as the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race. She also holds the highest-ever finishes for a woman in both the Indy500 and Daytona 500, and achieved the first female pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series. Patrick officially retired from competitive racing after the 2018 Indy500, transitioning seamlessly into her role as a broadcaster and analyst.
As the 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off, Patrick has assured fans that her deep exposure to the sport will keep her "glued to my tv for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan!" Her departure marks the end of an era for Sky Sports F1, but opens a new chapter for the trailblazing driver turned commentator.
