Sky Sports has confirmed its Formula 1 presenting and punditry team for the 2026 season, with Danica Patrick notably absent from the roster. The broadcaster announced its lineup on Wednesday, ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend, but Patrick's name was not included among the analysts.
Patrick, a former IndyCar race winner and one of the most recognisable female drivers in motorsport, had been part of Sky's rotating panel of experts for the past five seasons, typically appearing at North American races. However, her outspoken political views and promotion of conspiracy theories have made her a divisive figure. In 2026 alone, she criticised the Super Bowl halftime show choice of Bad Bunny and joked about Canadian ice hockey players becoming US gold medallists if Canada were the 51st state.
The reason for Patrick's departure has not been officially confirmed, though Express Sport understands she will focus on other projects. No new additions have been made to the punditry team. Naomi Schiff returns as an analyst after maternity leave, while presenter Natalie Pinkham will rejoin at the Japanese Grand Prix later this month following neck surgery.
Pinkham told Express Sport: 'I'm getting there! It's been a tougher, longer road to recovery than I had expected. But I'm doing physiotherapy every day at the moment – it's quite full on – but I'm getting stronger.' She added on social media: 'I'm really happy to say that I have been given the all clear to do long hauls again. My first [race] that I will be presenting for Sky F1 this year is Japan.'
Sky also unveiled a new title track for its coverage: 'Just Keep Watching' by pop star Tate McRae, which was featured in last year's F1 film and earned a Grammy nomination. Additionally, Sky's broadcast will be available to US audiences through F1's new TV deal with Apple.
