Danica Patrick Announces Departure from Sky Sports F1

The former NASCAR star reflects on her 5-year tenure as an F1 analyst for the network.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Danica Patrick has announced her departure from her role as an F1 analyst for Sky Sports. In an Instagram post, the 43-year-old former NASCAR driver expressed gratitude for the "opportunity and experience" she was given during her 5-year tenure with the network, which included covering races from around the world. Patrick said she decided it was time to move on after the 2025 season and plans to now watch the 2026 F1 season as a fan.

Why it matters

Patrick's exit from Sky Sports comes amid a period of transition for the network's F1 coverage team. Her departure follows recent headlines about her on-air analysis and public comments that drew attention. As a high-profile female voice in motorsports, Patrick's move away from the broadcast booth is noteworthy.

The details

In her Instagram post, Patrick reflected fondly on her time with Sky Sports, saying she "had such a blast!" and got to "be part of a huge boom in F1!" She joined the network in 2021 after retiring from racing in 2018. Patrick noted that after the 2025 season, she "called and said it was time for me to move on." She plans to now watch the upcoming 2026 F1 season as a regular fan, saying she will be "glued to my tv for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan."

  • Patrick joined Sky Sports as an F1 analyst in 2021.
  • Patrick covered her last race for Sky Sports at the end of the 2025 season.
  • The 2026 F1 season begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The players

Danica Patrick

A former NASCAR driver who retired in 2018 and joined Sky Sports as an F1 analyst in 2021, serving in that role for 5 seasons before announcing her departure.

Sky Sports

A British sports broadcaster that provides coverage of Formula 1 racing.

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What they’re saying

“From my first @skysportsf1 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!”

— Danica Patrick, Former NASCAR Driver (Instagram)

“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!”

— Danica Patrick, Former NASCAR Driver (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 F1 season begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which Danica Patrick plans to watch as a fan after her departure from Sky Sports.

The takeaway

Danica Patrick's exit from her role as an F1 analyst for Sky Sports marks the end of her 5-year tenure with the network, during which she was part of the growing popularity of the sport. Her departure comes amid a period of transition for Sky Sports' F1 coverage team and highlights the evolving landscape of motorsports broadcasting.