Danica Patrick breaks silence after Sky Sports F1 exit

Danica Patrick has made her first comment since news broke that she would no longer be a part of the Sky Sports F1 broadcast team.

Patrick was a fixture of the Sky Sports team for five years, appearing most often in the American leg of a championship season. 

But when the broadcaster revealed its 2026 line-up, the former IndyCar and NASCAR driver was a notable absentee. This decision, by Patrick's account, was one of her choosing, and not one that was forced upon her.

"From my first Sky Sports F1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast!" Patrick wrote on social media, just before FP1 got underway in Australia. 

"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!"

Across her stint with Sky Sports, Patrick divided viewers with her opinions and analysis, with numerous memes of fellow pundits reacting to her takes being shared across social media.

2026 Sky Sports F1 team

Sky Sports will remain the home of F1 in the UK until at least 2029. 

With Jenson Button stepping away from racing entirely, the 2009 world champion will attend more events this term. 

Also featuring on the rotating bank of expert pundits are Nico Rosberg, Jacques Villeneuve, Naomi Schiff, Bernie Collins, Karun Chandhok, Jamie Chadwick and Anthony Davidson.

David Croft remains in position as the lead commentator, with Harry Benjamin standing in when Croft is away from the microphone. 

Simon Lazenby, Rachel Brookes, Ted Kravitz, Craig Slater and Natalie Pinkham will share presenting and reporting duties.