Danica Patrick set to make TV return

Danica Patrick holds a Sky Sports F1 mic — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 on TV

Danica Patrick set to make TV return

Danica Patrick appeared at various F1 race weekends in the US last season

Originally written by Sam Cook. This version is a translation.

Friday 22 May 2026 19:00

Racing driver and ex-Sky Sports F1 pundit Danica Patrick is set to return to television after being left out of the broadcaster’s lineup for the 2026 season.

Patrick, who previously competed in IndyCar and NASCAR, has offered analysis for Sky Sports at several grands prix in recent years, most often during F1’s visits to the Americas.

But before the 2026 campaign began, it was confirmed that Patrick would no longer feature as part of Sky Sports F1’s presenting team, meaning she will not be appearing for the broadcaster at any race weekends this year.

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But Patrick has instead landed herself another job role, joining the coverage of IndyCar's iconic Indy500 race which takes place this weekend.

Patrick achieved a third-place finish in the historic race back in 2009, and she is actually the only female racer to have a race victory in IndyCar, achieved at the 2008 Indy Japan 300.

Fox Sports have confirmed that Patrick will be part of the pre-race coverage of the race, which takes place on Sunday May 24.

Danica Patrick's racing career

In 2005, Danica made history by becoming the fourth woman to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in IndyCar racing.

Danica's first season in IndyCar was a remarkable one. She achieved an extraordinary feat by leading during the Indianapolis 500 and finishing fourth, becoming the first woman to do so. Her performances earned her the Rookie of the Year honours.

Patrick joined the Andretti Green Racing (AGR) team in 2007, and the following year, the pinnacle of her racing career arrived when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar race - at the Indy Japan 300.

That victory was a historic achievement that solidified her place in the annals of motorsports history. She finished sixth in the drivers' championship that season and recorded 10 top-10 finishes.

After her successful stint in IndyCar, Danica made the transition to NASCAR, where she made history once again by winning pole position at the 2013 Daytona 500 and finishing eighth in the race - again the highest finish ever in the race by a female driver.

In 2018, Danica Patrick retired from full-time racing at the age of 36.

F1 Sky Sports F1 IndyCar Indy 500 Danica Patrick