Danica Patrick has been trending on the news lately, all thanks to her recent political stance. However, the former NASCAR driver has also made headlines in F1 because of her appearance with Sky Sports F1 on the occasion of the Mexico City Grand Prix. As Patrick entered the commentary scene on Friday's practice session, fans questioned her F1 knowledge and wanted a replacement.
Patrick was one of the commentators for FP1 of the Mexico City Grand Prix, as the premier form of motorsport was in Latin America. However, her commentary was not up to the standard for a certain section of the fans. As a result, they slammed the former racing driver on social media.
While it's true that Danica Patrick is new to the F1 fraternity compared to fellow commentators and experts such as Bernie Collins, Natalie Pinkham, or Naomi Schiff. However, the American former racing driver's expertise in both stock car and open-wheel racing is commendable.
On top of that, she also appeared in this year's (based on the 2023 F1 season) Drive to Survive docuseries by Netflix, where she shared her inputs as a former racing driver and a pundit.
Despite that, fans found issues with Patrick after the former IndyCar star stammered while describing Carlos Sainz's FP1 flying lap. Danica Patrick seemed out of description as she began to speak on the Ferrari driver's long run down the turn 1.
Here are some reactions taken from micro-blogging site X, formerly Twitter:
A fan wrote, asking for a better commentator, "Surely there are better options available to you than Danica. We are paying for your services, we expect a good quality product. Not even bringing in her politics here, she’s just not good enough. Fix it."
Another fan wrote an extreme line, doubting Patrick's experience,
"She clearly and most certainly has no idea about F1. It's laughable!"
Another fan wrote, sharing his stance on Patrick, "I refuse to watch sky sports when she's on it."
"She appears to underprepared. No Notes , just vibes. I am not talking about stats general knowledge of F1 currently and about the track," wrote another fan, calling out Patrick's lack of preparation before commenting.
"Why is she even there ? Adds absolutely nothing," another fan wrote, asking for her replacement.
"Easily one of if not the worst commentator/pundit on Sky’s coverage. If they want an American on the punditry team I’m sure there are better candidates," another fan wrote, reiterating the same.
The 42-year-old competed in both NASCAR and IndyCar. She is the first woman driver to win an IndyCar car and is the first woman to claim a NASCAR Cup Series pole position.
Danica Patrick lent her support to Donald Trump in the US election
Danica Patrick chose to root for Donald Trump for the upcoming 60th quadrennial presidential election in the United States. Patrick spoke in a rally in favor of the former United States president. Sharing her experience, she recently explained why she chose to vote for Trump.
"It's so confusing to me how when you say MAGA [Make America Great Again], it's meant to be an insult," Patrick said. "I am passionate because it feels like voting for Donald Trump is like the vote of reason, it's like rational, reasonable choice."
Danica Patrick added:
"I feel like most of all though, what this country could be if he gets into office with all of the amazing, brilliant people that are supporting him, I feel like he could not only make America great again but make it greater than it has ever been."
Republican contestant Donald Trump is contesting the United States presidential election against the Democratic Party's Kamala Harris. The election is set to take place on November 5, 2024.