Danica Patrick Is Coming Under Fire

Danica Patrick is facing backlash online following her Formula 1: Drive to Survive debut.

The 41-year-old, who made a name for herself as a NASCAR and IndyCar driver, has joined the Netflix docuseries as a pundit. However, her addition is riling up a number of fans.

The first two episodes of Drive to Survive season six dropped on Monday, with viewers taking to social media to complain about Patrick's guest spot.

"Why the f*** is danica Patrick on [Drive to Survive]," said @Welshrugby02 on X, formerly Twitter.

"Stop forcing Danica Patrick on us," wrote lfc.

Staycee C agreed, commenting: "Go away woman."

"She was a Indy car pilot, she has nothing to do with #formula1 and, let's be honest, her interventions ARE NOT INTERESTING AT ALL," said @Condetesmorts3.

"Of all the women who really DESERVE be in DTS they put Danica Patrick," wrote Vale.

"There are so many talented, knowledgeable and passionate people who cover this sport who would be fantastic additions," said Jacqueline.

However, some Formula 1 fans defended the former motorsport star, with Luiz Carvalho writing: "I love Danica Patrick."

"Leave Danica Patrick alone!" said @WitchCelebrity. "I love that she's part of the sky F1 coverage. I love hearing from drivers.

"She drove at the top eschelon of American motorsport, just like Mario Andretti. Enough of this bullying crap!"

Newsweek has reached out to Danica Patrick for comment via email.

Patrick broke numerous records during her storied career, such as becoming the first woman in the U.S. to win a major-league open-wheel race. She has also won several awards, including being named Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year in 2005 and the NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver in 2012.

Since retiring in 2018, Patrick has focused on sports commentary, but some of her recent statements have upset racing fans.

Patrick faced backlash in September after describing F1 as a "masculine" activity during an appearance on Sky Sports, seemingly discouraging young girls from pursuing motor racing.

"I think that the nature of the sport is masculine. It's aggressive," she said during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

"You have to, you know, handle the car—not only just the car because that's skill, but the mindset that it takes to be really good is something that's not normal in a feminine mind, a female mind."

Patrick was also labeled "out of touch" in November following comments at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Fans were forced to leave the event ahead of the FP2 race due to "logistical issues," after a loose drain caused damage to driver Carlos Sainz's car and pushed the race back by two and a half hours.

While acting as a Sky Sports pundit, Patrick suggested unhappy fans should have purchased tickets for the whole weekend.

"Maybe it'll drive them to get tickets for next year so that they can see the whole thing or buy a whole weekend pass," Patrick said.

"It's everything around the cars, not just the cars and so I'm sure that they were able to enjoy that. The suites, the views, the entertainment and the opening ceremonies were stunning and there are just so many things about this city."

Fans raged at Patrick's response, calling her remarks "madness."

"Danica Patrick is out of touch with the reality of this situation," said Ezio Auditore on X.

"People go to Vegas to experience Vegas, but they don't pay money for an event to miss out on it because of logistical issues that should have been considered beforehand."

"Is this Danica woman for real," said Lynsey Collins. "People spent $1000's to see racing which didn't happen, then when it did they were kicked out."