The checkered flag has fallen on Danica Patrick before the Formula 1 season has even begun.
The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver will not be part of F1 broadcasts this season with Sky Sports, it was revealed on Wednesday.
The 44-year-old motorsports trailblazer had been part of their F1 coverage for the last five seasons, making her first appearance during the 2021 United States Grand Prix.
However, when the U.K. broadcaster revealed its lineup of commentators, hosts and analysts for the 2026 season — which begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne — Patrick’s name was conspicuously absent.
While Sky Sports is the official broadcaster of F1 in the U.K., its feed also was shown in the U.S. and Canada as part of ESPN and TSN’s coverage of the races.
Patrick had not been a full-time analyst for the broadcaster, but had been a regular at races hosted in North America – namely the Canadian and Mexican GPs as well as the three races based in the U.S.
Why is Patrick a divisive figure?
Patrick has become a divisive figure over the last few years over her political views and outspoken support for U.S. President Donald Trump.
She also made several eyebrow-raising comments about conspiracies involving “lizard people” and recently shared a story at a Turning Point USA event about a “past life regression” that involved her living as a Native American.
During the 2026 Winter Olympics last month, she also posted on Instagram, trolling Canada over its loss in the men’s gold medal hockey game to the U.S.
Patrick shared a post that said: “If Canada had been smart and become the 51st State, they’d be gold medalists right now,” along with the cheeky caption: “Too soon?”
How did fans react to decision?
The news of Patrick being dropped by the network was greeted with overwhelming praise.
While many users on social media were quick to surmise that her outspokenness cost her the job, others pointed out that she just wasn’t fit for the role.
“Aside from her non-F1-related opinions, she was objectively a terrible pundit,” one user commented on Reddit. “Never heard her give any insight that a fan on their sofa couldn’t give you.”
“A big win for us as fans and a big win for Jenson (Button)’s sanity at the U.S. races,” another wrote.
“Every bit of analysis she gave was terrible,” one user commented on X. “She called Marina Bay an “easy track” and (former F1 world champ Nico) Rosberg would just cringe and say ‘what the hell are you talking about.’”
One fan pointed out that Sky already had replaced her with another female racecar driver, Jamie Chadwick, who earned praise for her performance in front of the camera last year.
Patrick has yet to comment on news of her departureon social media.