Danica Patrick Named Most Disliked Driver in IndyCar History and Racing Fans Aren't Even Close to Being Done

A Reddit poll just dropped the hammer on Danica Patrick, and it's brutal. An official IndyCar subreddit ranking project announced that Patrick has been voted the most detested driver in the sport's entire history. We're talking a fan-created chart that sorted legendary figures from NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, and MotoGP into five categories: most beloved, most liked, controversial, most disliked, and most despised. Patrick landed in one of the harshest slots, and the internet is making absolutely sure everyone knows how they feel about it.

The Poll That Made It Official

This isn't some random Twitter poll. This is IndyCar's official Reddit page running the numbers, and the results paint a pretty clear picture of where fans stand. In the NASCAR version of the alignment chart, Dale Earnhardt Sr. took home "most beloved" honors while Jeff Gordon landed in "most liked." Patrick? She got voted "most disliked," carrying one of the harshest repeated distinctions across both major American racing series.

The Reddit comments section became a roast session faster than you can say pit stop. "Danica could drive. In her rookie year she corrected a wiggle in Indy turn one than crashed out many. She was, apparently, a difficult personality. Her lack of education shows through in her post-driving on-camera days," one fan wrote. Others were even more direct: "Danica Patrick. Duh." One commenter even joked, "Please make sure that Danica is in the F1 category as well and the miscellaneous while we are at it."

A Complicated Legacy That Just Won't Go Away

Patrick's relationship with racing fans has been complicated for years. She started her career in IndyCar, where she actually achieved significant success at the sport's highest level. Then came her historic move to NASCAR's Cup Series, where she competed in major events like the Daytona 500 before retiring in 2018. Almost a decade out of professional racing, the fans still aren't letting it go.

Her relationship with NASCAR fans was always polarizing, marked by massive popularity among casual fans but skepticism from hardcore enthusiasts. Both fans and fellow drivers frequently criticized her. Now, nearly ten years later, the reaction is basically the same. The only difference? She's been more politically active in recent months. Some fans blame "recentism" for her low ranking, pointing to the fact that Patrick announced on social media she voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. She stated she previously felt she couldn't complain about the country if she didn't participate in voting.

Whether it's about her driving style, her personality, her post-racing career on camera, or her recent political statements, racing fans have made their verdict crystal clear. Patrick carries a label in the racing world that she probably won't shake anytime soon.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.