Broadcasting in motorsports is no simple job, and it’s one that not all former drivers excel at. Of course, you have legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick, who have captivated the booth with their iconic voice. On the other side of the spectrum is Danica Patrick. She is a former NASCAR driver and is arguably the best female driver to race in the Cup Series, being the only one to grab a pole at the Daytona 500. However, her broadcasting stint after switching over to Formula One in recent years hasn’t been received with much praise.

In 2024, fans turned on her during her appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Fan sentiment on X included comments such as, “Final race of the season and we get Danica Patrick, please get rid of her @SkySportsF1.” But Patrick redeemed herself in 2025. Her appearance at the Miami GP this year was met with praise from fans of NASCAR and F1 and showed promising signs after a slew of hate last year. However, her broadcasting appearance at the Indy 500 did not thrill fans, who got back to bashing the former driver.

Danica Patrick returns to the booth for Indy 500 qualifying

Stage 1 qualifying for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 was every bit the spectacle fans have come to expect. The field was stacked with talent, and the tension was palpable as drivers pushed their machines to the absolute limit. Alex Palou once again proved why he’s the man to beat. Penske’s powerhouse duo, Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, slotted in right behind, setting up a mouthwatering battle for the Fast 12.

The drama on track was matched by the energy in the broadcast booth. Well, after all, it was respected commentator Mark Meyers who teamed up with Danica Patrick to call the action for millions watching around the world. For Danica Patrick, this was her first public appearance since her much-discussed stint as a commentator at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month.

In Miami, Danica’s blend of insight, candor, and charisma won over a fresh wave of fans. Many praised her ability to break down complex race strategies and inject personality into the broadcast. Social media buzzed with appreciation, and even some of her longtime critics admitted she brought a unique perspective to the F1 paddock. “Nice to see you back with Sky Sports! They need your flavor,” one fan summed up the majority fan sentiment. However, the reception in Indianapolis was decidedly more mixed.

While some viewers were excited to see Danica return to her IndyCar roots, others were quick to voice their displeasure. The Indy 500 crowd is famously passionate and fiercely protective of its traditions. For some, Danica’s outspoken style and recent F1 exposure didn’t mesh with their expectations for the Brickyard’s sacred broadcast booth.

As the qualifying drama played out, social media feeds filled with pointed criticism. The stage was set for another round of debate about Danica’s place in motorsports media. With the world’s biggest open-wheel race just days away, all eyes are not only on the drivers but also on the voices narrating the action. Will Danica win over the Indy faithful? Or will the criticism only grow louder as the weekend unfolds?

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Fans sound off on Danica Patrick’s return

Danica Patrick’s return to the Indy 500 commentary booth sparked a firestorm of fan reactions. Some lighthearted, others cutting! “Does that mean she’s finally gone from F1?” was one of the first questions to hit social media. Danica’s recent stint with Sky Sports F1 was polarizing. While some enjoyed her fresh perspective, others felt she didn’t fit the F1 broadcast style. Her move back to IndyCar coverage had some fans hoping she’d left Formula 1 behind for good.

Not everyone stuck around to hear her take. “Immediately switched over to golf,” another fan posted. The comment referenced the 107th PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, which was airing at the same time. With golf’s second major of the year drawing big names and drama, some viewers found it an easy alternative to the Indy 500 qualifying broadcast with Danica around.

A more pointed critique came from those questioning Danica Patrick’s passion for racing. “Not interested in hearing from an ex-driver who, according to them, ‘never loved racing’ and never really cared enough to learn the cars she drove…” one fan wrote. And they are not wrong. A few years ago, Danica, on the Carlos Watson Show, admitted that she never really loved being behind the wheel. The comment drew instant backlash from fans. In a sport where passion is often considered the driving force behind success, many fans felt betrayed by someone who once represented a breakthrough moment for women in motorsport.

The broadcast itself wasn’t immune to complaints either. “For God’s sake, show the cars on track….” was a common refrain. Fans tuning in for high-speed action grew frustrated when the cameras lingered on the booth or cut to lengthy interviews. This is a familiar gripe during big race weekends, but Danica’s presence seemed to amplify the frustration for some.

Finally, accuracy, which has been her Achilles heel, became a flashpoint. “Hey Danica, Castroneves won in 2021, not 2020. Do some f— research,” a fan pointed out. Danica has faced criticism before for on-air mistakes. For instance, during an F1 broadcast, she incorrectly said Lewis Hamilton was the reigning champion when Max Verstappen had won the previous year’s title.

As the Indy 500 weekend continues, one thing is clear. Danica Patrick remains a lightning rod in motorsports media. Will she win over the skeptics, or will the criticism only intensify as race day approaches?