Danica Patrick Returns to TV with FOX Sports for Indy 500 After Sky F1 Exit

Former Sky F1 pundit Danica Patrick has made her return to television screens with FOX Sports ahead of this weekend's Indianapolis 500. The 44-year-old, who left Sky F1 before the 2026 season, appeared as a guest analyst during Indy 500 qualifying at the Brickyard.

Why it matters:

Patrick remains one of the most recognizable female racing drivers of the modern era after her IndyCar and NASCAR career. Her return to TV coverage after leaving Sky F1 marks a new chapter in her broadcasting career, while her presence on FOX brings mainstream appeal to the Indy 500, a race she finished third in back in 2009.

The details:

• Patrick joined Sky F1 in 2021 and made regular appearances until the end of 2025. She confirmed her departure via a social media post before the Australian Grand Prix, saying she “had such a blast” and it was “time for me to move on.”
• FOX Sports inherited live IndyCar broadcast rights from NBC ahead of the 2025 season. The network recruited Will Buxton, formerly of Netflix's Drive to Survive, as lead commentator, and former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe also appears in the punditry lineup.
• Her return to air has split viewers. One fan commented: “If FOX is trying to draw viewers in, this isn’t the way.” Another wrote: “You’re going to do a great job. Proud for you.”
• Patrick's only IndyCar victory came at Motegi in 2008, and her best Indy 500 result is third.

What's next:

The Indianapolis 500 takes place Sunday, hours before the Canadian Grand Prix. Reigning four-time champion Alex Palou starts from pole after a 232.248mph qualifying average. Patrick's role with FOX beyond this race is unclear, but her return keeps her in the motorsport broadcast spotlight.