Danica Patrick Fires Back: 'The Clock is Ticking' on Jimmy Kimmel at ABC

SCANDAL ROCKS ABC: JIMMY KIMMEL'S TIME IS RUNNING OUT, CLAIMS DANICA PATRICK

The drama is heating up at ABC as Jimmy Kimmel's show returns from suspension, but sources close to the network are whispering that his time on the air may be running out. And who better to spill the tea than none other than Danica Patrick, the former IndyCar racing queen turned Trump supporter?

In a shocking twist, Disney, the parent company of ABC, reinstated Kimmel's show after he was suspended for making inflammatory comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination suspect. But don't be fooled - this is just the beginning of the end for the late-night host.

"An employer has a choice to hire and fire," Patrick posted on Instagram, responding to the news that Kimmel would be returning to his chair. "I'm not sure he's as funny as he used to be, but hey, that's what happens when you're no longer relevant."

Patrick, who has been spotted on Kimmel's show in the past, seemed to be taking a rather... let's say, "diplomatic" approach to the situation. But make no mistake - her comments were laced with venom.

"I don't think he understands that his job is not just about making jokes," Patrick said. "It's about being relevant, and if you're not funny anymore, then maybe it's time to move on."

And what could be behind Kimmel's sudden loss of humor? Insiders at ABC are whispering that the network has been getting tired of Kimmel's constant attacks on President Trump.

"Jimmy's always been a bit of a provocateur," says a source close to the network. "But lately, he's been going too far. He thinks he's above the fray, but really, he's just hurting his own show."

And hurt it has - ratings have been tanking for Kimmel's show in recent months, and sources say that Disney is getting anxious.

"ABC is feeling the heat," says another insider. "They're seeing the numbers drop, and they know they need to make some changes. And if Jimmy can't bring in the laughs, then maybe it's time to say goodbye."

But what about Kimmel's comments on Charlie Kirk's assassination suspect? Sources close to the network say that Disney was not happy with his remarks.

"Jimmy crossed a line," says one insider. "He made a joke about the president's response to the tragedy, and it just wasn't funny. It was insensitive and hurtful."

And now, Kimmel is facing the music - literally. Sources close to the network say that he's been given an ultimatum: tone down the jokes or ship out.

"It's not looking good for Jimmy," says one insider. "The clock is ticking, and if he doesn't shape up, then maybe it's time for him to retire."

But don't count Kimmel out just yet - sources close to the network say that he's been working hard to revamp his act and bring in some fresh faces.

"Jimmy's been taking some meetings with new writers and producers," says one insider. "He wants to shake things up and make his show more relevant again."

But will it be enough? Only time will tell - but for now, the drama at ABC continues to simmer, and Jimmy Kimmel's future looks bleaker than ever.

As for Danica Patrick, she seems to be enjoying every minute of the drama.

"It's all about money in the end," she posted on Instagram. "And if the ratings are down, then something has got to give."

Well, it seems that the clock is indeed ticking - and Jimmy Kimmel may just find himself on the wrong side of history.