Danica Patrick left out as Sky Sports announce 2026 F1 pundits | F1 | Sport
Sky Sports appear to have cut Danica Patrick from their presenting and punditry team for the new Formula 1 season. In a press release circulated on Wednesday, Patrick’s name was not among those listed by the broadcaster as an analyst for the new campaign, which begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix.
Patrick has been part of the rotating panel of analysts used by Sky Sports in recent seasons, usually at races in North America. She is well-known particularly to an American audience, given her status as one of the most recognisable female racing drivers and a race winner in IndyCar.
But she has proven to be a divisive figure for many, because of her political views and promotion of conspiracy theories. Already in 2026 Patrick, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has made headlines for her criticism of the decision to give the Super Bowl halftime show to Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny, and also for joking that Canadian ice hockey players “would be gold medallists” in the Winter Olympics if they had “been smart and become the 51st state” of the USA.
It was confirmed on Wednesday that Patrick, who had been part of Sky’s coverage for the last five seasons, is not among the pool of experts and analysts who have been retained by Sky heading into the new F1 season. The reason behind her departure has not been officially confirmed, though Express Sport understands she will be focusing on other projects going forwards.
There are no new additions to Sky’s roster ahead of the new season. Naomi Schiff is set to return as an analyst after missing the latter stages of the 2025 campaign while on maternity leave, while presenter Natalie Pinkham is set to return at the Japanese Grand Prix later this month, after six months away following neck surgery.
Pinkham told Express Sport: “I’m getting there! It’s been a tougher, longer road to recovery than I had expected. But I’m doing physiotherapy every day at the moment – it’s quite full on – but I’m getting stronger.”
She added in a social media post: “I’m really happy to say that I have been given the all clear to do long hauls again. My first [race] that I will be presenting for Sky F1 this year is Japan. And I am really happy about that because I bloody love Suzuka, so very excited to see you then.”
Sky also confirmed a new title track for their coverage, featuring a song performed by pop superstar Tate McRae. Her tune, Just Keep Watching, which featured on the soundtrack of F1: The Movie, released last year, was nominated for a Grammy award and will now be heard on Sky’s coverage of the sport all season long.
Sky Sports will also be more widely available to American fans thanks to F1’s new US TV deal with Apple. The Sky broadcast will be one of those available for fans in the States to select when they tune in to watch the action on a race weekend.
