The Indianapolis 500 is known for high-speed drama and bold fashion statements, and this year, Danica Patrick found herself at the center of both. The former IndyCar and NASCAR star turned broadcaster wore a striking red dress during Fox Sports' coverage of the race, and the internet had plenty to say—both for and against.
Photos of Patrick in the red dress quickly went viral, sparking a wave of criticism from some viewers who felt the outfit was too flashy for race-day coverage. One commenter compared her to actress Ashley Judd, saying she was "vying for the worst dressed ever" award. Another fan questioned, "Why does she have to dress so ridiculously? Doesn’t she have anyone in her life to say ‘that’s really over the top for race coverage?'" A third critic wrote that Patrick looked "like she’s going clubbing instead of the Indy 500."
But Patrick’s fanbase wasn’t about to let the negativity slide. Supporters quickly flooded social media with messages defending her choice and her right to express herself. One fan fired back, "I see nothing wrong with what Danica is wearing…sounds like y’all are jealous because she is where she is because she worked for it and you guys are just sitting on your butt in front of the tv doing nothing. You don’t like what she’s doing or wearing…change the channel!!!"
Another supporter joked, "She looks great. Dudes are just mad that she has better biceps than them." The sentiment echoed a broader defense that Patrick, who has long been a trailblazer in motorsports, deserves respect for her career and her choices. One fan wrote, "Please just leave her alone. All of the rest of the cast is a bunch of male ex-drivers, just like her. But, if she dresses like them, then she comes off as trying to be one of the guys. If she dresses feminine, then you blast her for that. She’s a nice person, and she has had to put up with a lot. She has my support. Lay off the negative Danica articles."
Patrick’s appearance at the Indy 500 isn’t the first time her style has sparked conversation. Earlier this year, she turned heads in a polka dot dress at Indy 500 practice, and she recently stunned fans with her toned physique at 44 ahead of the broadcast. Her role as a broadcaster has also been a point of contention, with some Indy 500 fans fuming over her broadcaster role earlier in the week.
Despite the backlash, Patrick remains unfazed. The 44-year-old has spent her career breaking barriers and facing criticism head-on, from her early days in IndyCar to her transition to NASCAR. She’s used to being in the spotlight and has never shied away from a debate. Whether it’s her driving, her commentary, or her wardrobe, Patrick continues to command attention—and her fans are more than happy to have her back.
At the end of the day, the red dress debate highlights a bigger issue: the double standards women in sports often face. Patrick’s supporters argue that she should be judged on her work, not her outfit. And with a career that includes historic achievements like being the first woman to win an IndyCar race, she’s earned the right to wear whatever she wants.
