American motorsport fans were left frustrated once more on Sunday when Danica Patrick returned to television coverage as a commentator for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC.
Patrick, the former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, was brought in by Fox as an analyst for the street race, which was staged on a course winding through the nation’s capital.
Her appearance, however, was not warmly received by many viewers. Patrick has faced repeated criticism from racing fans over her broadcasting work across NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One coverage.
This time, the reaction intensified after her commentary moved beyond racing and into politics, as she credited President Donald Trump — whom she has previously said she voted for — with helping make the event happen.
“Between the vision of (FOX CEO) Eric Shanks and (Penske Corporation President) Bud Denker, with the help of, of course, Secretary [of Transportation Sean] Duffy and President Donald Trump with that executive order, I think it really embodies what it is to live in America, land of the free, and anything is possible.
“That this race was gone from concept to reality as quickly as it was, and as well as it’s been done, I think that is the perfect embodiment and celebration of 250 years of this country.”
IndyCar fans made their displeasure clear on social media, criticizing Patrick not only for her race analysis but also for bringing political praise into the broadcast.
IndyCar fans swiftly criticized former racing driver Danica Patrick on Sunday
Patrick was on the Fox Sports broadcast of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC
Fans criticized Patrick’s appearance and her praise of President Donald Trump
‘To watch Danica Patrick and the whole Fox crew verbally felate [sic] Trump ,is nauseating,’ wrote one user on X.
Another said, ‘Of course @IndyCarOnFOX brings out the small guns (Chris Myers and Danica Patrick) today.’
‘Oh boy, that idiot Danica Patrick and the others are going to make this unwatchable,’ read one comment.
One user posted, ‘Nothing worse about an Indy Car broadcast than hearing Danica Patrick. So many more well accomplished, deserving drivers with higher accolades, and this is who they chose to fill in that slot.’
‘Danica Patrick on TV showing a lack of understanding about American history while she does a podcast where she discusses right wing conspiracy theories. Absolute f***ing clown and a joke on the international motorsports community,’ read another disapproving post.
One post referenced the ongoing controversy with White House staffer Natalie Harp: ‘Can someone tell @DanicaPatrick that the role of side chick for @POTUS is already filled. This race just feels dirty and corrupt.’
‘I’m a girls girl and I hate Pat McAfee, but good lawd does Danica Patrick give that man a run for his money as worst sports commentator ever,’ read another negative criticism.
The criticism comes after Patrick was let go by Formula 1 broadcaster Sky Sports just days ahead of the start of the 2026 season in March.
Patrick has been routinely criticized by motorsport fans for her commentary on racing
Patrick was let go by F1 broadcaster Sky Sports just days ahead of the start of the 2026 season
Patrick has become ever-more forthright with her political views in recent years
The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver had been part of their coverage for the past five seasons, first appearing during the United States Grand Prix in October 2021.
The UK broadcaster revealed its lineup for 2026 on Wednesday, with Patrick conspicuously absent from the list of hosts and analysts.
‘From my first @skysportsf1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast!’ she wrote on Instagram. ‘The sky team was so much fun (thank you all), I saw so many amazing new race tracks and cities, and got to be part of a huge boom in F1!
‘I called after the last race in 2025 and said it was time for me to move on and I was so grateful for the opportunity and experience I was given!
‘….and now due to my deep exposure to F1, I will be glued to my tv for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan!
Over the past couple of years, Patrick has become ever-more forthright with her political views, closely aligning herself with MAGA and Trump and leaving viewers split whenever she appeared on screen.
She called Karoline Leavitt an ‘absolute legend’ as she gushed over Trump‘s former press secretary following her decision to leave the White House.
She posted on her story: ‘What an absolute legend you are @karolineleavitt for the job you have done as press secretary for the White House!
‘Loved every witty and intelligent min of watching you deliver news and truth!
‘Congrats on the great work and the decision to step away and focus on your motherhood and your family.’
