Formula 1 Australian GP
Danica Patrick breaks silence on Sky Sports F1 exit after five years
Danica Patrick says her absence from Sky Sports F1’s 2026 line-up was her own decision
Lydia Mee
Edited: Mar 6, 2026, 2:36 AM
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Danica Patrick
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz
Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has broken her silence after she was noticeably missing from Sky Sports Formula 1's on-screen broadcast line-up for the 2026 F1 season.
While many assumed the decision had come from the broadcaster to change things up for the new season, Patrick has claimed that she decided it was time for her to step away and move on.
"From my first Sky Sports F1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast! 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!"
Since retiring from racing in 2018, Patrick, who is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, has made several broadcasting appearances as well as hosting her Pretty Intense podcast.
2026 Sky Sports F1 on-screen line-up
- David Croft - Lead commentator
- Harry Benjamin - Lead commentator - standing in for Croft at a handful of races
- Simon Lazenby - Presenter and reporter
- Natalie Pinkham - Presenter and reporter
- Ted Kravitz - Presenter and reporter
- Rachel Brookes - Presenter and reporter
- Craig Slater - Presenter and reporter
- Martin Brundle - Expert and analyst
- Jenson Button - Expert and analyst
- Nico Rosberg - Expert and analyst
- Jacques Villeneuve - Expert and analyst
- Naomi Schiff - Expert and analyst
- Bernie Collins - Expert and analyst
- Karun Chandhok - Expert and analyst
- Jamie Chadwick - Expert and analyst
- Anthony Davidson - Expert and analyst
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