Danica Patrick Named Most Disliked Driver in IndyCar History and Racing Fans Aren't Holding Back

A new Reddit poll just dropped the hammer on Danica Patrick, and the internet is making it crystal clear how the racing community actually feels about her. After nearly a decade away from professional racing, the IndyCar legend has been named the most detested driver in the sport's history. Not controversial. Not polarizing. Most disliked. Full stop.

The Poll That Nobody Saw Coming

IndyCar's official Reddit page conducted a ranking project featuring an alignment chart that asked fans to sort legendary NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, and MotoGP figures into specific categories. The options were straightforward: "most beloved," "most liked," "controversial," "most disliked," and "most despised." Patrick landed in one of the harshest categories and it's being repeated across both major American racing series.

In the NASCAR version of the chart, Dale Earnhardt Sr. earned "most beloved" honors while Jeff Gordon landed in the "most liked" category. Patrick? She got voted "most disliked." That's not a fluke. That's a pattern.

Why Fans Are This Angry

The response on Reddit tells you everything. One commenter joked, "Please make sure that Danica is in the F1 category as well and the miscellaneous while we are at it." Another was even more direct: "Danica Patrick. Duh."

Some fans blamed what they called "recentism" for Patrick's inclusion, pointing out that she has been more political in recent months. Patrick announced on social media that she voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, stating she previously felt she couldn't complain about the country if she didn't participate in voting.

But it goes deeper than politics. One commenter actually acknowledged Patrick's driving ability while explaining the real issue: "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."

A Complicated Legacy

Patrick's relationship with racing fans has always been complicated. She began her career in IndyCar where she achieved significant success at the sport's highest level, before making a historic move to NASCAR's Cup Series. She competed in major events like the Daytona 500 before retiring in 2018. Along the way, her relationship with fans became highly polarizing. She was massively popular among casual fans but faced skepticism and criticism from hardcore enthusiasts and fellow drivers.

Nearly ten years out of racing professionally, nothing has changed. The reaction to Danica Patrick is exactly the same. This poll just proves what racing fans have been thinking all along: the complicated feelings about Patrick haven't faded. If anything, they've only gotten stronger.

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