Danica Patrick has seen plenty of talent behind the wheel over her career, but when asked to name her three favorite drivers right now, she didn't hesitate. The former IndyCar and NASCAR star gave a shout-out to three racers who she believes are in a class of their own.
In a recent chat with Will Buxton, Patrick highlighted Alex Palou as the driver who stands above the rest in IndyCar. The reigning Indy 500 champ has been on a tear, and Patrick sees something special in how he handles pressure. "Even when he's off they figure it out," she said, praising Palou's composure and consistency.
Next up is Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion. Patrick called him "spectacular," pointing to his relentless fire and aggression on track. She recalled a conversation where Verstappen told her he wants everything to go perfectly every weekend. That drive, she says, sets him apart from the pack.
Rounding out her top three is NASCAR's Kyle Larson, a driver Patrick admires for his versatility. "I love Kyle Larson. I think he’s such a gifted driver," she said. Larson has dabbled in multiple disciplines, including racing in the Indy 500, which earned extra respect from Patrick.
Patrick, 44, made history in 2008 by winning the Japan 300, becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race. She raced in the series from 2005 to 2011 before moving to NASCAR's Cup Series until 2018. Though she never won a Cup race, her impact on the sport is undeniable.
This weekend, Patrick is back in the spotlight as a guest analyst for FOX's coverage of the Indianapolis 500. She shared her excitement on Instagram: "Back home again in (windy) Indiana. Vibes were definitely high for what became a one day qualifying show for the pole after Saturday rained out. Fun day on track and great catching up with old friends."
The 110th running of the Indy 500 kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET, and Patrick will be in the booth offering her insights. Fans can also catch up on her recent appearance at the track in a polka dot dress that turned heads during practice.
As the racing world gears up for the biggest event of the year, Patrick's picks remind us that talent comes in many forms — from the precision of Palou to the aggression of Verstappen and the all-around skill of Larson. It's a short list, but each driver has earned their place on it.
