Danica Patrick is returning to the Indianapolis 500, but not in the driver’s seat. Instead, she’s stepping behind the mic as part of Fox Sports’ pre-race broadcast team for the upcoming race on Sunday, May 25. While Patrick’s return to the iconic event should spark nostalgia, her presence has sparked something else entirely- backlash.
At 43, Patrick remains one of the most recognizable names in motorsport. She broke barriers during her racing career, becoming the first and only woman to win an IndyCar race, taking the checkered flag at the 2008 Indy Japan 300. She also made history in 2009 by finishing third in the Indy 500, the highest-ever finish for a woman.
Since she retired from racing, Danica Patrick has stayed close to the sport by working in broadcasting. Still, some fans have criticized Fox Sports for bringing her back into the Indy world.
Fans Push Back On Broadcast Lineup
Fox Sports announced Thursday that Patrick will join the network’s pre-race coverage alongside 1997 IndyCar Series champion Tony Stewart and veteran host Chris Myers. The team will also include well-known reporters Tom Rinaldi and Erin Andrews. But despite the high-profile names, it’s Patrick’s inclusion that’s drawing heat.
Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick join stacked @FOXSports Indianapolis 500 broadcasting lineup! @IndyCar @IndyCaronFOX #Indy500
️: https://t.co/kEhq9uZRLu pic.twitter.com/SBKi74BW1b
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) May 15, 2025
Fans didn’t hold back. One wrote, “Noooooooooooo Danica.”
Noooooooooooo Danica
— m j c (@_mjcurry_) May 15, 2025
Another chimed in, “Why Danica Patrick? Get a driver that is actually relevant to the Indy 500.”
Why Danica Patrick? Get a driver that is actually relevant to the Indy 500.
— Kathy R (@KRacer28) May 15, 2025
Critics argue Patrick’s recent absence from the racing scene weakens her relevance, while others take aim at her past performances. One comment read, “Can we please stop adding Danica Patrick to the broadcasts. She does not add anything.”
Can we please stop adding Danica.Patrick to the broadcasts.She does not add anything.
— Courtney (@mom2xover2002) May 15, 2025
Another added, “Love Tony; glad I’ll be in the stands and won’t have to listen to Danica. Even though she will have insight on all wrecks from first-hand experience.”
Love Tony; glad I’ll be in the stands and won’t have to listen to Danica. Even though she will have insight on all wrecks from first hand experience.
— Joe O⬛️ ⬜️ ⬛️ (@JoeOleSexy1967) May 15, 2025
Still, Fox Sports appears unfazed. The network emphasized its confidence in the lineup, describing it as a way to bolster coverage for the high-stakes event. Patrick, who has led laps and made headlines at the Brickyard, brings experience that Fox believes will enrich the broadcast.
Like it or not, Danica Patrick’s back at the Indy 500- not behind the wheel, but behind the mic. Fans might be split, but she’s bringing her racing insight to the broadcast, and she’s not fading quietly.
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