Sky Sports Parts Ways with Controversial F1 Pundit Danica Patrick
Sky Sports F1 has confirmed that Danica Patrick, the IndyCar race winner and vocal supporter of former US President Donald Trump, will not return as a pundit for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The broadcaster announced its updated lineup ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Patrick's Political Stance and Broadcasting Tenure
Patrick, who joined Sky Sports F1 in 2022 as a regular pundit for races in the United States, last appeared on the channel's coverage during the 2025 US Grand Prix in Austin. Her departure comes after she publicly endorsed Trump during the 2024 presidential election, marking her first time voting in a US election.
In an interview with Fox News, Patrick stated, "It feels like voting for Donald Trump is like the vote of reason. It's the rational, reasonable choice." She addressed gender differences in voting patterns, suggesting that some women struggle with Trump's personality but argued that policy should outweigh personal dislike.
A Sky spokesperson explained that the 43-year-old former driver will be focusing on other motorsport projects, though no specific details were provided about her future plans.
Patrick's Racing Legacy and Media Appearances
Danica Patrick holds a unique place in motorsport history as the only woman to ever win an IndyCar series race. Her career also included stints in NASCAR, and she gained further prominence through appearances on Netflix's Drive to Survive in 2024. However, she was replaced in that series by 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button last year.
Button, who retired from all forms of motorsport in 2025, will now take on a more prominent role with Sky Sports F1, attending additional races throughout the season.
Sky Sports F1's Revised 2026 Lineup
The broadcaster has assembled a diverse team of experts for the upcoming season:
- Regular co-commentator Martin Brundle will cover approximately 16 of the 24 races.
- Former world champions Jacques Villeneuve (1997) and Nico Rosberg (2016) will make appearances.
- Ex-drivers Karun Chandhok and Anthony Davidson, along with W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, will contribute to coverage.
- Simon Lazenby remains the lead presenter, with Natalie Pinkham stepping in for her first race in Japan later this month.
- Rachel Brookes continues as lead media pen reporter, with Ted Kravitz in the pit-lane and David Croft as lead commentator.
The 2026 F1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, starting at 4am GMT this weekend.
