Ex-NASCAR driver had been criticized for lack of F1 knowledge, outspoken support of President Donald Trump<\/p>\n
Published Mar 04, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n The checkered flag has fallen on Danica Patrick before the Formula 1 season has even begun.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver will not be part of F1 broadcasts this season with Sky Sports, it was revealed on Wednesday.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, when the U.K. broadcaster revealed its lineup of commentators, hosts and analysts for the 2026 season \u2014 which begins this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix<\/a> in Melbourne \u2014 Patrick\u2019s name was conspicuously absent.<\/p>\n While Sky Sports is the official broadcaster of F1<\/a> in the U.K., its feed also was shown in the U.S. and Canada as part of ESPN and TSN\u2019s coverage of the races.<\/p>\n Patrick had not been a full-time analyst for the broadcaster, but had been a regular at races hosted in North America \u2013 namely the Canadian and Mexican GPs as well as the three races based in the U.S.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Why is Patrick a divisive figure?<\/p>\n Patrick has become a divisive figure over the last few years over her political views and outspoken support for U.S. President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n She also made several eyebrow-raising comments about conspiracies involving \u201clizard people\u201d<\/a> and recently shared a story at a Turning Point USA event about a \u201cpast life regression\u201d that involved her living as a Native American<\/a>.<\/p>\n During the 2026 Winter Olympics last month, she also posted on Instagram, trolling Canada over its loss in the men\u2019s gold medal hockey game to the U.S.<\/p>\n Patrick shared a post that said: \u201cIf Canada had been smart and become the 51st State, they\u2019d be gold medalists right now,\u201d along with the cheeky caption: \u201cToo soon?\u201d<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED VIDEO We apologize, but this video has failed to load.<\/p>\n Play Video<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n How did fans react to decision?<\/p>\n The news of Patrick being dropped by the network was greeted with overwhelming praise.<\/p>\n While many users on social media were quick to surmise that her outspokenness cost her the job, others pointed out that she just wasn\u2019t fit for the role.<\/p>\n \u201cAside from her non-F1-related opinions, she was objectively a terrible pundit,\u201d one user commented on Reddit<\/a>. \u201cNever heard her give any insight that a fan on their sofa couldn\u2019t give you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA big win for us as fans and a big win for Jenson (Button)\u2019s sanity at the U.S. races,\u201d another wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery bit of analysis she gave was terrible,\u201d one user commented on X. \u201cShe called Marina Bay an \u201ceasy track\u201d and (former F1 world champ Nico) Rosberg would just cringe and say \u2018what the hell are you talking about.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n LITERALLY every bit of analysis she gave was terrible. She called Marina Bay an \u201ceasy track\u201d and Rosberg would just cringe and say \u201cwhat the hell are you talking about\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014 Teddy_four (@teddy_fore1) March 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n One fan pointed out that Sky already had replaced her with another female racecar driver, Jamie Chadwick<\/a>, who earned praise for her performance in front of the camera last year.<\/p>\n Patrick has yet to comment on news of her departure on social media.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n F1 legend Michael Schumacher reportedly no longer bedridden in major health update<\/p>\n <\/a> Danica Patrick flaunts sexy body and patriotic back tattoo in tiny red bikini<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Check out our sports section<\/a> for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section<\/a> for news and odds.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Share this article in your social network<\/p>\n![\"Danica](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0305-danica-patrick-f1-headshot.jpg\")
Danica Patrick looks on from the drivers parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in 2024. Getty ImagesArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.7.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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Jenson Button, Danica Patrick and Simon Lazenby of Sky Sports F1 prior to qualifying ahead of last year\u2019s F1 Grand Prix of United States. Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"opening](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.7.1\/websites\/images\/newsletters\/icon-sun-middaySun.svg\"\/){kind=icon}
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