Danica Patrick, after five years as an on-air pundit, has publicly explained the reasons behind her Danica Patrick F1 commentary end with Sky Sports, just as their Formula 1 coverage is set to shift in the coming season. Her decision, which comes ahead of the 2026 racing year, sheds light on her personal motivations and her future plans outside of broadcasting.
Patrick Bids Farewell to Sky Sports F1 Team
Danica Patrick recently expressed her gratitude to the Sky Sports crew and reflected on her years as a Grand Prix pundit, where she provided coverage primarily across North America. She first joined Sky’s team at the 2021 United States Grand Prix and remained a regular feature for five seasons, often sharing insights from both the F1 paddock and race circuits worldwide.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Patrick looked back at her journey:
“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!
She further emphasized how much she valued the opportunity and her growth as an F1 fan while in her broadcast role:
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! 😜🏎️🏁”
Focus Shifts to New Ventures and Personal Projects
Contrary to initial reports suggesting she had been removed from her role, Patrick clarified that her departure was entirely her own decision. She has stated her desire to allocate more time to emerging opportunities and personal interests, marking a natural conclusion to her time with Sky Sports.
In a statement to the Associated Press, she detailed her reasoning:
“I called after the season last year and just said it was time for me to move on. I felt like I had taken in a great experience in F1 and was ready to have more time for other projects and interests.”
Patrick also mentioned her involvement in building a new business, participating on company boards with ambitious plans, and even challenging herself with new hobbies in sports such as tennis, golf, and skiing. She revealed her excitement about keeping busy beyond the world of live motorsport commentary:
“I am building a new company. I am also new to a couple of boards with big plans, and very busy punishing myself by learning new sports like tennis, golf, and skiing,” she added.
A Storied Career and Enduring F1 Passion
Danica Patrick’s role as a familiar face in F1 broadcasting followed her legacy in motorsport. She first rose to prominence racing in the IndyCar series, notching several milestones—including becoming the only woman to win a race in that series. Later, she made her mark in NASCAR before retiring in 2018.
Through her five years with Sky Sports, Patrick says she gained a richer understanding of Formula 1 and has become a dedicated fan, promising to remain closely connected to the sport as a viewer going forward. Her journey highlights her persistent enthusiasm for racing and willingness to take on fresh challenges beyond the track or broadcast studio.
Patrick’s decision to leave her commentary role places the focus on her upcoming ventures and indicates that, even after transitioning away from live television, she will continue to influence the sporting world in new and significant ways.
