Sky F1 under fire as Danica Patrick returns to Austin – “Insult to women in motorsport”

Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick's return to Sky Sports' Formula 1 coverage during the US Grand Prix in Austin has sparked widespread criticism from fans and reignited debates about the responsibility broadcasters should bear.

Patrick's participation in Opening Day, held October 18-20, 2024 at the Circuit of The Americas, sparked widespread backlash on social media.

The former driver's re-emergence came shortly after false rumors circulated that she had been sacked from Sky Sports, only to be unmasked shortly afterwards. Their involvement in last weekend's F1 broadcast has drawn attention to their controversial history and opinions, which many believe are at odds with the values ​​of the sport and its broadcast partners.

Patrick's past affiliations and opinions, including endorsement of debunked conspiracy theories, public support of the Trump/Vance 2024 campaign and her harsh comments on the all-female F1 Academy racing series, have received significant attention.

During an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 podcast last year, Patrick was asked about the importance of introducing a female driver into Formula 1 and it's safe to say her reaction didn't go down well with many fans. She commented:

“Well, you assume that I want this, you assume that this is important to me, and it’s not.

“That’s always an interesting stance that I take on it. I think what really makes the sport popular is the great racing – you can have half the field all women and follow the leader and it won't be interesting to watch.” .

“Good race, and that’s what we have so often in Formula 1 these days. I mean, pretty much everything except Max is a matter of who's going to be second, third, fourth, fifth this weekend, and that's what makes it really appealing.

“And so I think that as someone who was obviously a girl, you just have to act normal.”

Patrick has not shied away from other hotly debated topics such as American politics and climate change.

Here's a selection of reactions to Patrick's performance at the Austin Grand Prix this weekend. (All comments represent the opinions of those posting and do not reflect Newsweek.com.)

“Incredible that Danica Patrick is still part of the @SkySportsF1 broadcast this weekend. She is an active political activist who spreads disinformation weeks before an election. After everything she has said and done, I am amazed that Sky would still support her.”

“Hey @F1 @SkySportsF1 Danica Patrick is terrible. Even us Americans don't like having to hear them when we're trying to enjoy Formula 1. Please spare us in the future. She also believes in and advocates for some terrible things that you shouldn't. “I don't want to be anywhere near your sport.”

“Here's a quick summary of why I can't stand Danica Patrick. It's what she said about women in motorsport, you'd think she'd understand, but no, she's an insult to women in motorsport. That's what she said. It hurts to see it as someone who… “wants women to be part of motorsports.” (sic)

“I am boycotting the entire @SkySportsF1 build-up this weekend because of @DanicaPatrick. It amazes me how she is chosen over Nico and Villeneuve etc on some weekends.”