Danica Patrick has created waves wherever she’s been. As the sole female winner of an IndyCar race, Indy Japan 300 in 2008, and the 2013 Daytona 500 pole winner, Danica Patrick is a beacon of inspiration to many. Her decorated racing resume aside, Patrick also showcases dazzling entrepreneurial endeavors – she owns a clothing line and a vineyard – and also inspires people with her workout regimes.

Yet Danica Patrick may have incurred widespread criticism due to her brand-new venture. She voted for the first time during the 2024 US elections and became a vocal proponent of her political views. The army of her followers may have seen a few walkouts as a result, but Patrick believes it is for the greater good.

Danica Patrick shrugs off dwindling support

Well, the former NASCAR star has attracted a few instances of controversy in recent events. As a Sky F1 broadcasting pundit, Danica Patrick stated a personal opinion at the Hungarian Grand Prix. She said racing is not normal for a ‘female mind.’ Then she also hosted a few climate change denier guests on an episode of her show ‘Pretty Intense’. These activities stirred up scrutiny especially in the Formula One fanbase, given the climate protection views of leading F1 luminaries like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Now that she has publicly posited her political views, Patrick has incited more criticism.

But the racing visionary is not deterred, as she is focused on her political goals. In a recent interview with Kenny Wallace, Danica Patrick heard about a saying from Darrell Waltrip. The 84-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner said, “When you get into politics, you know you’re going to lose half of your friends.” Patrick could not help but agree with the motorsports veteran, as she admitted to Wallace, “Maybe half of my followers too, you never know.”

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Was a fan…..not anymore!

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After she cast her vote this year, Danica Patrick was very vocal about her political support, outlining the reasons why she voted for her preferred candidate. This did not gel well with a few of her followers and even her friends – but she emphasizes that this is the way to filter out the lot. “Definitely, when I post some stuff about politics, you see some dropping due to that. But then you get some back because that’s how it works… I’d say the same thing works with friends. You know, you’ll drop some friends but then you’re gonna pick some up too because you’re going to find more of your people. And it’s going to make you happier anyway.” 

This strong position stems from a particular event in 2023 when Danica Patrick claims her journey began.

Patrick revealed her starting point

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As the only female racer who has won an IndyCar race, Danica Patrick holds immense authority. Yet her presence in the Sky F1 broadcasting team is not so welcome, as fans have made it clear multiple times. 22-time Grand Prix winner and the 1996 F1 champion Damon Hill left the Sky team last month after 13 years. Fans questioned this as Hill left and Patrick is still on the team. Despite these lashouts, Patrick gives credit to her F1 involvement for igniting her political views. During the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Patrick interviewed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent American politician and environmental lawyer.

And according to Danica Patrick, this meeting was the turning point. It ultimately inspired her to kick off her political journey. She confessed in November, “Exactly one year ago today I interviewed @‌robertfkennedyjr in Las Vegas during the f1 weekend, which was my first ever public conversation about politics. I guess you could say the rest in history based on the first photo I posted. The rest is a time line from that interview until Election Day.” Patrick continued, “I am so grateful for the people I have met and the friends I have made along the way. I couldn’t be more excited and more confident in the direction this country is going. That’s all. Just a reflection of how fast things move when you speak your truth and have a passion.”

Evidently, Danica Patrick is firmly focused on her political goals. The falling barriers will only help her find people who belong to her group.