Danica Patrick returns to TV coverage for Indy 500 after Sky Sports exit

Danica Patrick returned to television commentary this week as part of FOX Sports' coverage of the Indianapolis 500, marking her first public broadcasting role since leaving Sky Sports ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The 44-year-old former driver had announced her exit from Sky's F1 punditry lineup after the 2025 finale, ending a seven-year stint that began in 2018.

Why it matters:

Patrick's return to the booth for the Indy 500 — a race where she famously finished third in 2009 — keeps her connected to top-level motorsport broadcasting. Her departure from Sky left a gap in F1 coverage, but her willingness to return for IndyCar's biggest event suggests she hasn't stepped away from TV entirely.

The details:

• Patrick revealed her Sky exit on social media, saying she called after the last race of 2025 and felt it was time to move on. She called the experience a "blast" and praised the team and the opportunity to visit new circuits during F1's global boom.
• FOX Sports brought her in for pre-race analysis ahead of this Sunday's 500-mile race, a natural fit given her IndyCar background and American appeal.
• She also confirmed she will watch the 2026 F1 season "glued to my TV like every other fan," indicating she remains engaged with the sport despite no longer covering it professionally.

What's next:

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix follows just hours after the Indy 500, with the F1 circus heading to Montreal for Round 5. The Sprint format returns to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, meaning a packed schedule from Friday. Patrick's broadcasting future remains open, but this Indy 500 appearance signals she may take on select events rather than a full-season role.