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“Taking Feminism Back 20 Years”: Danica Patrick’s Sexist Remark Receive Scathing Backlash From F1 Fans

Published 07/23/2023, 12:24 PM EDT

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The Danica Patrick – Formula 1 nightmare goes on. The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver has made herself a seasonally permanent fixture in terms of Sky Sports F1’s broadcasting schedule. That being said, her appearances have done more harm than good for her own reputation, as well as that of the sport’s. No doubt, she brings a certain degree of ‘knowledge’ being an ex-racing driver herself, but for the fans what she’s on paper and what she really says never really matches.

Yesterday, after the thrilling and chaotic Hungarian GP Qualifying session, the 41-year-old got herself in hot water due to her bizarre comments during an interview with Lewis Hamilton. You’d have thought she would’ve been a bit more wise choosing her words today then. However, it would appear she’s made an even bigger gaffe this time around.

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During Sky F1’s children’s broadcast today, Patrick made an appearance. Obviously, the idea was for the American to appear as a role model for all the young kids in the paddock today and watching at home. But she chose to take a counterproductive approach instead.

Fans crucify Danica Patrick for ill-worded sexist advice to kids

In a nutshell, Patrick was heard seemingly dissuading young girls from following their passion to become racing drivers and eventually move up to F1. She termed the sport as an ‘aggressive’ endeavor and that it wasn’t a trait the female gender really shared with their counterparts. This sparked a huge controversy online.

One fan even commented, “i need someone to get danica patrick off my screen. she’s taking feminism back 20 years.”

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Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions to this unfortunate Danica Patrick moment from the Hungarian GP.

She would’ve hoped for an easier break into the world of F1 punditry. But after her controversial moments, the fans have already made up their minds about her future. After all, the bar has been set high by the likes of David Croft, Martin Brundle and the late-great Murray Walker, hasn’t it?

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WATCH THIS STORY | Rich History of F1 Races in Las Vegas Throughout the Years

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Is it time Formula 1 gave fans what they want and let Danica Patrick go? Or does she deserve one last chance?

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Written by:

Anirban Aly Mandal

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Anirban Aly Mandal is a senior F1 writer at EssentiallySports, with over 500 articles published on the platform. Anirban's love for F1 started when he discovered a copy of F1 2014 while playing on his computer, and he has since then dived deep into the world of motorsports. Anirban's expertise goes beyond just writing - he has also written several academic papers focused on the domain of motorsports.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar