Danica Patrick Exits Sky F1 Lineup After Fan Backlash Over Politics
Danica Patrick has parted ways with the Sky F1 broadcast team days before the 2026 season opener, removing a high-profile North America race analyst whose politics had split viewers. Wednesday at 10: 27 a. m. ET — Patrick said she initiated her own departure, and the announced sky f1 lineup omits her ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Sky F1 lineup omits Danica Patrick in 2026 announcement
The UK broadcaster released its 2026 presenting and commentary roster on Wednesday, and Patrick, 44, was conspicuous by her absence from the list of hosts and analysts. The lineup named Martin Brundle, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and others as experts and listed Simon Lazenby, Natalie Pinkham and Ted Kravitz among presenters, with David Croft and Harry Benjamin as commentators.
Patrick Says She Initiated Departure and Plans New Projects
Patrick confirmed she called after the season last year and told the broadcaster it was time to move on, saying she wanted more time for other projects. She began working with the coverage in October 2021 and had been part of the team for five seasons, typically appearing at North American races including Miami, Austin and Las Vegas as well as the Canadian round in Montreal; her last on-air appearance was the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Political Views and Fan Reactions Follow Patrick’s Exit
In recent months Patrick’s political alignment with MAGA and former president Donald Trump drew visible division among viewers, and she had publicly supported the campaign ahead of the election, including traveling with him to rallies. She also spoke at a Turning Point USA ‘Americafest’ event and has posted provocative commentary on social media — one Instagram post this week referenced Canada’s Winter Olympics result and read: “If Canada had been smart and become the 51st State, they’d be gold medalists right now. “
Sky Sports’ announcement came just days before the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the curtain-raiser for the 2026 Formula 1 season, and also confirmed personnel moves: Naomi Schiff will return after maternity leave and Natalie Pinkham will come back at the Japanese Grand Prix after neck surgery. Martin Brundle will continue his commentary role and Grid Walk duties.
For now, broadcasters have set their 2026 roster without Patrick; more details on on-air assignments and any further lineup changes are expected before the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the season opener.
