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Carlos Sainz Finds an Unexpected Ally in Danica Patrick as NASCAR’s First Female Daytona 500 Pole Winner Joins the Spanish Mastermind

Published 09/17/2023, 6:25 PM EDT

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In a surprising turn of events that transcended the boundaries of motorsport disciplines. Ex-NASCAR star Danica Patrick found herself in the midst of Formula 1’s excitement. In the midst of the 2023 Formula 1 season, a surprising camaraderie emerged at the Singapore Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz, the Spanish mastermind who finally broke Red Bull’s relentless streak of victories, found an ally in an unlikely figure – Danica Patrick, the first female Daytona 500 pole winner and a former IndyCar star.

As the Formula 1 season of 2023 roared through its 15th round, it seemed like Red Bull’s dominance was insurmountable. However, the Singapore Grand Prix marked a significant turning point.

A victory for Carlos Sainz and an unexpected ally

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Carlos Sainz’s triumph at the Singapore Grand Prix marked a pivotal moment in the 2023 Formula 1 season. This win not only broke Red Bull’s dominance, with 14 consecutive victories. But it also solidified Sainz’s presence in the sport as a proper race winner after his victory at Silverstone last year.

Sainz, representing Ferrari, took the lead right from the start of the race. However, the race was filled with drama, including a safety car intervention and a virtual safety car that reshuffled the field. In a thrilling climax, the top four drivers engaged in a nail-biting battle until the very end. Sainz managed to hold on to his lead, securing his first win of the season.

Amidst the celebrations in the parc ferme, a familiar face appeared – Danica Patrick. The ex-NASCAR star had found her way to Singapore as part of the SkySportsF1 crew. But she wasn’t just there for the cameras. In a show of support, Danica stood in front of the victorious #55 Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, sharing in his triumph. She later uploaded a photo of the same on her IG Story.

Danica Patrick shared her fun-filled moments at the Singapore Grand Prix with her fans in an Instagram post. “We have a lot of fun @skysportsf1!!!! And the on track action is pretty damn good too! Tube into Singapore @f1 tonight or tomorrow or wherever you are! 😜”

While Danica Patrick’s presence at the Singapore Grand Prix added a unique twist to the race, her comments about Daniel Ricciardo stirred up controversy.

Danica Patrick gets slammed by Formula 1 fans for her controversial take on one of their favorites

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Daniel Ricciardo, who had recently returned after a hand injury, faced a challenging comeback. He was occupied with engineering duties as he watched his replacement, Liam Lawson, perform admirably. Also, he out-qualified championship leader Max Verstappen.

Danica Patrick didn’t mince words when speaking to Sky Sports. She commented, “Daniel Ricciardo is obviously at the end of his career.” Her statement raised eyebrows, especially considering Ricciardo’s accomplishments in Formula 1.

READ MORE: Five Years After Retirement, Danica Patrick Unveils Her “10 Race Series”

Patrick’s words didn’t sit well with Formula 1 fans. Many took to social media to express their displeasure. One fan commented, “Someone keep Danica Patrick away from the microphone, please. For a washed-up driver who was barely successful in her own career, she has no right to judge other drivers and criticize them.”

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Another fan expressed disbelief, saying, “How can @DanicaPatrick say @danielricciardo is at the end of his career when you have someone like Alonso still racing and performing to such a high standard. This is why she has no place in our sport. She doesn’t know what the f**k she’s talking about just walk away.”

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Patrick’s remark on Daniel Ricciardo serves as a reminder of the passionate and protective nature of the racing community. So as we reflect on these events, we invite you to share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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Written by:

Veerendra Vikram Singh

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Veerendra Vikram Singh is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. With a natural affinity for motorsports, he brings a unique perspective to his coverage of everything NASCAR. His love for sports extends way beyond NASCAR, encompassing Formula 1 and MotoGP and a few other motorsports as well.
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Edited by:

Debmallya Chakraborty