“The Last Thing You Want Is…”: Danica Patrick Reveals Major Anxiety Around Red Bull & Mercedes Bosses as She Frequents the F1 Paddock

Danica Patrick is the most successful woman to race in the IndyCar series. Apart from her success in IndyCar and NASCAR, she did dream of racing in F1, which sadly never materialized. Although, after her retirement, the American became a part of the F1 world, as a reporter, which differs as she’s on the ‘other side of the microphone’.

During her conversation with Tom Clarkson on the Beyond the Grid podcast, the former racing driver discussed her role as a journalist. A role she defines as completely different and how she’s cautious about it. Especially if she’s talking to F1 giants like the Red Bull or Mercedes bosses or any of the drivers.

She revealed the two major changes she’s felt being on the other side of the mic.

“One, shut up and let them talk. That’s a very important quality,” she said. “Another important thing is to obviously have some awareness and prep and just know what you want to ask them,” she said.

All this preparation for what, though? She explains, “The last thing you want to be doing is standing there with someone like Christian Horner, Toto Wolff, or any of the drivers and be like ‘Uh.. so uh..’ and ask some really insignificant question that’s a waste of their time.”

Read More: “Do Your Homework!”: Danica Patrick Receives a Lesson in F1 Over On-Air Blunder At US GP

A lot of careful planning and quick on-the-feet execution is required to become an F1 journalist, as Patrick explained. This is something she really struggled with, especially in her first year in F1 with Sky Sports.

Recently, the American faced some difficulties and the US Grand Prix showcased that.

Danica Patrick receives a lesson in F1 over on-air blunder at 2022 US GP

Danica got the mic and the responsibility to interview the top three fastest drivers in the US Grand Prix qualifying. At the time, the fastest three were Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen, in that order.

However, because of Leclerc’s grid penalty, the Ferrari man would start the race at P10. The former NASCAR driver, however, did not keep tabs on this as she asked Verstappen about his second-row starting position.

Formula 1’s unforgiving fanbase quickly took to Twitter to point out the American’s mistake.

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Was it harsh for the fans to call out Danica on Twitter for her mistake?