“Queen of Car Wrecks” Danica Patrick Gets Called Out for “Patronizing” F1 Behavior After Podcast Goes Viral

A few drivers have occasionally insinuated polarizing and divisive opinions in NASCAR community, including Danica Patrick. Danica may have retired, but she continues to divide a lot of the NASCAR fan base to date.

Danica entered NASCAR racing in 2010-11 after having dabbled with IndyCar racing for a few years. While IndyCar had been a successful venture for her, she was looking for a step up. Formula One had always been her goal but it never came for her despite all the news reports around it.

She recently appeared on F1’s Beyond The Grid podcast, but fans did not like the interview too much, with the YouTube video of the podcast getting a lot of negative comments from fans. 

Danica taken apart by fans for her work

One of the fans commented on the video, “If you listened to her interviews with some f1 drivers on sky she is one of the most patronising (sic) people you’ll ever come across. “Charles how difficult was it for you to put that lap together?” I mean bruh hes one of the best most skilled motoracers on the planet 🤣🤣.”

Another fan added, “If “I have no idea what I’m talking about but let me pretend I do” was a person it’d be Danica Patricka (sic).” “If only she could learn some F1 terms and stop dropping NASCAR phrases I think she’d be a lot more likeable. Let’s hope in time she pays more attention to the sport as the sport seems hellbent on paying attention to her,” said another.

One more brutally wrote, “Queen of car wrecks.👑” while one questioned her credibility “So next week we’ll have some Hollywood celebrity giving their opinion on how glamorous F1 is?” Another fan questioned her NASCAR legacy, “Just remember guys,  she did win a race. And of course that’s all she won in 20 years of racing.”

Read More: Tony Stewart “Had to Stick Up” for Danica Patrick After ‘Resentful’ NASCAR Legend’s Disparaging Comments Almost a Decade Back

Danica’s foray into F1 via commentating hasn’t amused too many fans of the sport. But unconstructive criticism has been a part of her long career, and she knows how to take it on the chin.

If Danica Patrick were in the F1 world, how would she do?

Danica Patrick had piqued a lot of interest among F1 fans in 2008 when news broke out that Honda was considering trying her out for their car. The move however was officially shut down by Honda a few months later.

The statement had come from Honda F1’s spokeswoman, who said “We have no current plans to test Danica Patrick.” On the podcast, Danica was asked how close it really was for her to test drive for Honda, and what really went on behind the scenes of all the drama.

Danica said “Not very, like truly [how close did it get]. I don’t think I was ever properly ever offered a test. It always felt like media fodder. Felt like something to drum up attention. I never got a phone call…”

“There wasn’t anything that was coming down the pipeline at all [when asked about rumors about Honda in 2008]. I think at one point of time there might have been more like an Exhibition drive… But I didn’t want to do that either. Like I’m already to some people a part of the like the show. Just being unique and different. So the last thing I wanna do kind of feed into that with some kind of exhibition,”  she said.

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For Danica, F1 remained only a dream. But she has done enough for people to remember her in IndyCar and NASCAR. There will always be those who discount her work, and that’s part and parcel of the life of an athlete competing in the highest level.