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Danica Patrick Speaks Out on Sky Sports Dismissal: “It’s Not Fair to Me”

In a surprising and emotional turn of events, former racing driver and television personality Danica Patrick has spoken out about her recent dismissal from Sky Sports, following the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. The decision to let her go has sparked widespread debate within the motorsport community, especially after Patrick hinted that her podcast, which touched on sensitive issues, might have played a role in the sudden decision.

Danica Patrick, who joined Sky Sports as a pundit in 2021, quickly became a popular figure among viewers for her insightful commentary and unique perspective as one of the most successful female drivers in motorsport history. However, on August 20, 2024, just days after the Austrian Grand Prix, it was announced that she would no longer be part of the Sky Sports team.

The announcement came as a shock to many fans, especially since Patrick had become a staple of the network’s Formula 1 coverage. Her departure was abrupt, with little explanation provided by the network at the time. However, Patrick has now broken her silence, sharing her side of the story in an emotional podcast episode titled “It’s Not Fair to Me.”

In the episode, Patrick revealed that the decision to fire her was directly related to a recent podcast in which she discussed various social issues, including gender inequality and the treatment of women in motorsport. While she did not go into detail about specific comments that might have led to her dismissal, she expressed frustration and disappointment with how the situation was handled.

“I was blindsided,” Patrick said. “I thought we were having open and honest conversations about important topics, but it seems that some people were uncomfortable with that. It’s not fair to me, and it’s not fair to the fans who appreciate those conversations.”

Patrick went on to explain that she felt her dismissal was not just about the content of her podcast, but also a reflection of broader issues within the industry. “There’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to equality and giving women a voice in motorsport. I never expected to be punished for speaking my mind, but here we are.”

Patrick’s comments have ignited a firestorm of reaction within the motorsport community. Many fans and fellow pundits have expressed their support for Patrick, praising her for speaking out on important issues. Social media has been flooded with messages of solidarity, with the hashtag #StandWithDanica trending on Twitter.

Several prominent figures in motorsport have also weighed in on the situation. Former F1 driver Jenson Button tweeted, “Danica has been a great voice for the sport and it’s a shame to see her go. We need more people like her in the industry, not fewer.” Meanwhile, IndyCar champion and Patrick’s former colleague, Tony Kanaan, expressed his disappointment, saying, “This is a step backward. Danica brought something special to the table, and she will be missed.”

Sky Sports has remained largely silent on the matter, issuing only a brief statement following Patrick’s podcast. “We respect Danica Patrick’s contributions to our coverage and wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” the statement read. The network has not commented on the specifics of her departure or the role her podcast may have played.

As for Patrick, she remains optimistic about the future. In her podcast, she hinted at several upcoming projects, including a potential return to motorsport in a different capacity. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “This is just the beginning of a new chapter.”

While her departure from Sky Sports marks the end of an era, it is clear that Danica Patrick is not ready to fade into the background. Whether through her podcast or other ventures, she continues to be a powerful voice in motorsport, advocating for change and pushing boundaries.