Danica Patrick has racked up plenty of achievements in her racing career — but now she's added a dubious title to her resume: the most disliked driver in IndyCar history.
A recent poll asked fans to name the sport's most disliked driver of all time, and Patrick took the unfortunate top spot. The longtime racing star, who competed in IndyCar before making the jump to NASCAR, beat out several other notable drivers for the honor no one wants.
Patrick retired from racing in 2018, but her legacy clearly still stirs strong feelings among the IndyCar faithful. While she was once voted the league's most popular driver for five consecutive years, the tide has turned dramatically since her move to stock cars and subsequent retirement.
Fans were split on the poll results. Some agreed with the choice, while others rushed to defend Patrick. "I was never a fan of Danica's but wasn't she voted the most popular driver for like 5 straight years? Did everyone's view change because she left for NASCAR?" one fan wrote. Another added, "She was, apparently, a difficult personality. Her lack of education shows through in her post-driving on-camera days."
Not everyone was surprised. One commenter joked, "Please make sure that Danica is in the F1 category as well 😂 and the miscellaneous while we are at it." Another noted that timing matters: "If this pole was taken in 2009 it would be very different."
Patrick's polarizing reputation isn't limited to the track. She's been outspoken in retirement, recently ripping Jimmy Kimmel in a fiery exchange, and continues to make headlines with her personal life — including a stunning red swimsuit photo that turned heads.
While the poll may sting, Patrick's place in racing history is secure. She was a trailblazer for women in motorsports, competing in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500, and remains one of the most recognizable names in the sport. But this latest poll shows that popularity can be fleeting — and that being remembered isn't always the same as being beloved.
So, what do you think? Does Danica Patrick deserve the title of most disliked driver, or is this poll just a reflection of changing times and fan biases?
