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

Nearly a decade after hanging up her helmet, Danica Patrick still can't catch a break with the racing community. An IndyCar Reddit poll just dropped her into the "most disliked" category across the sport's history, and the fan comments are brutal.

The Verdict Is In: Patrick Takes the Harshest Label

The ranking came from a fan-created Reddit project organized by IndyCar's official page. The alignment chart asks fans to sort legendary drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, and MotoGP into five categories: most beloved, most liked, controversial, most disliked, and most despised. Patrick landed firmly in the "most disliked" slot, earning one of the harshest repeated distinctions across both major American racing series. For context, Dale Earnhardt Sr. took "most beloved" honors in the NASCAR version, while Jeff Gordon landed in "most liked." Patrick's finish tells the story.

The Complaints Keep Coming

Reddit users didn't hold back with their takes. One fan sarcastically suggested "make sure that Danica is in the F1 category as well and the miscellaneous while we are at it." Another simply wrote "Danica Patrick. Duh." A longer comment acknowledged her driving ability in her rookie IndyCar year, noting she "corrected a wiggle in Indy turn one than crashed out many." But then came the kicker: "She was, apparently, a difficult personality. Her lack of education shows through in her post-driving on-camera days."

Some fans blamed "recentism" for Patrick's placement, pointing to her increased political visibility in recent months. Patrick made headlines when she 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.

A Complicated Legacy

Patrick's contentious relationship with racing fans has been a constant throughout her career, spanning both IndyCar and NASCAR. She achieved significant success in IndyCar before making a historic move to NASCAR's Cup Series, competing in major events like the Daytona 500 before retiring in 2018. Her relationship with NASCAR fans was highly polarizing, marked by immense popularity among casual fans and skepticism from hardcore enthusiasts. Fans and fellow drivers frequently criticized her. Nearly ten years after stepping away from professional racing, the fan reaction remains exactly the same.

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