Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has explained the reasons behind her decision to leave her role as a pundit for Sky Sports F1 ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Patrick joined Sky Sports’ broadcast team in 2021 and regularly appeared during races held in the Americas. Her final appearance came at the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin. News of her departure emerged shortly before the start of the new season, with sources indicating that the decision had been initiated by Patrick herself.
The 43-year-old has now confirmed that she chose to step away from the role after the conclusion of the 2025 championship.
“I called after the season last year and just said it was time for me to move on,” Patrick told the Associated Press.
“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 explained that she is currently focused on building a new business and has joined several organisational boards that require significant time and attention. Alongside those commitments, she has also been exploring new personal interests, including sports such as tennis, golf and skiing.
Despite stepping away from the broadcast role, Patrick spoke positively about her experience working with the Sky Sports F1 team.
“I had an amazing time with the Sky Sports team. They were the reason I did it for so long,” she said.
“It was a lot of work—more than being a driver in many ways during a race weekend—especially in terms of time commitment at the track.”
Patrick added that her time covering Formula 1 significantly deepened her understanding of the championship and its key personalities.
“I learned a lot about F1 and the drivers and became a much bigger fan of the sport, which was really enjoyable.”
She also praised the role played by team principals in shaping the narrative of the sport.
“The sport of F1 is very entertaining. My favourite part is the team principals. They understand the assignment of good television while also being exceptional at running race teams.”
Patrick also confirmed her departure through social media. The American remains a historic figure in motorsport as the first woman to win an IndyCar race, achieving the milestone in 2008.
In recent years, Patrick has also drawn attention for several controversial public comments and political engagements in the United States, including hosting a roundtable discussion with US vice-president JD Vance during the 2024 presidential election campaign.
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