Danica Patrick is making waves again, but this time it's not on the racetrack. The former NASCAR and IndyCar star turned heads on Monday with a sizzling outfit while aboard Air Force One, as she gears up for the upcoming midterm elections.
Patrick, 44, who has become a prominent right-leaning sports commentator, shared a snapshot of her travel ensemble on her Instagram Story, captioning it, "Ahh hello AF1!" She added, "Guess what…It's time to back out there and vote! Midterms matter."
The outfit choice immediately sparked chatter online, with fans and critics alike weighing in. It's a familiar scenario for Patrick, who has never shied away from attention—whether for her fashion choices or her political stances.
Patrick's journey into politics has been anything but conventional. She admitted that she didn't cast a ballot until the 2024 presidential election, but now she feels a strong "calling" to get involved. "It felt like a calling," she said. "Standing up for something is a powerful thing because it's when you're in your truth. When you're in your truth, you're quite magnetic. It gains momentum really fast."
Her political awakening began just over a year ago at AmFest in Phoenix, where she first met conservative activist Charlie Kirk. "I didn't know who Charlie Kirk was," Patrick recalled. "I never paid attention to politics and have been avoiding the news since 2018." After posting photos from the event with the caption "I love this country," she faced backlash, which she called "ridiculous." That led to appearances on Tucker Carlson's show and later Kirk's, and suddenly, she says, "I guess I'm in politics now."
Patrick has faced criticism for some of her views, but she remains steadfast in her love for America. "I have lived in other places," she explained. "I believe when people of different opinions speak face to face, we realize we are more similar than different." She also addressed the mixed reactions to her political activism, saying, "I don't believe everything anyone says. I have been very torn over the years if I should give a (crap) about politics or just live the life I want as an example. The reaction today is definitely interesting… since all I said was, I love this country."
While Patrick's outfit on Air Force One is the latest topic of debate, it's clear she's not backing down from her mission to encourage voter participation. Whether you agree with her politics or not, she's certainly getting people talking—much like other sports figures who've sparked controversy with their attire.
As the midterms approach, Patrick is using her platform to rally Americans to the polls. "Midterms matter," she wrote, and she's putting her money where her mouth is—by flying on the iconic presidential plane to campaign.
Love it or hate it, Danica Patrick is proving that she's just as comfortable in the political arena as she was on the track. And with her bold fashion sense, she's sure to keep turning heads every step of the way.
