Danica Patrick Stirs Controversy With UFO Beliefs and F1 Criticism, Leaving Fans Divided
It’s been six years since Danica Patrick retired from professional racing, but she remains an active and polarizing figure in the motorsports world. Whether through her role as a commentator or her candid social media presence, Patrick continues to make waves. Most recently, she reignited debates with her outspoken belief in UFOs and conspiracy theories, leaving fans divided once again.
Danica’s UFO Theories and Missed “Phenomenon”
Patrick recently took to Twitter to express her regret over missing a potential UFO sighting near her Arizona home. In her post, she described how police had visited her neighborhood days earlier, asking about drones. She then referred to footage showing drones reportedly approaching a mysterious object, with one being “shot down” by the unidentified phenomenon.
Sharing her thoughts, Patrick tweeted:
“I guess I should have stayed up later last night! The police came to my neighborhood a few days ago asking if I had seen any drones because they were getting reports. I think it’s us, but what they are doing… who knows. Conditioning us to fear activity in the sky? Testing something? Smelling for something? What do you guys think is going on?!”
While the authenticity of the footage is uncertain, Patrick’s fascination with extraterrestrial activity is well-documented. A firm believer in UFOs and the existence of alien life, she’s drawn to conspiracy theories about the infamous Area 51 and unexplained phenomena like the Phoenix Lights incident of 1997.
Patrick’s curiosity about the unknown extends beyond social media. Speaking on the BigDeal Podcast, she explained why she engages with conspiracy theorists:
“When someone has something to say that’s kind of crazy, you try and dig deeper into the fact-checking of how they got their information.”
Her conversations on such topics have included discussing simulation theories with figures like David Icke and even questioning major events like the moon landing.
Criticism Over F1 Comments and Sky Sports Role
Patrick’s penchant for controversial opinions doesn’t stop at UFOs. Her views on motorsport development programs, particularly those for women, have sparked backlash. In 2023, she expressed skepticism about F1’s all-female Academy, stating:
“It’s always an interesting stance I have on it. I think that what makes the sport really popular is great racing. You can have half the field out there women and have it be follow-the-leader, and it’s not going to be interesting to watch.”
Instead, she advocated for female drivers to climb the ranks “like normal,” citing NASCAR as a model where women compete alongside men in the same system. While her comments reflect her belief in merit-based progression, many fans found her stance dismissive of efforts to create opportunities for women in motorsports.
Adding fuel to the fire, Patrick’s transition to the Sky Sports F1 commentary team, replacing Damon Hill, has also been contentious. Fans claim she was hired to cater to American audiences, citing her lack of F1 experience as a drawback. Her on-air misstep during the Mexican GP track walkthrough only reinforced these criticisms.
A Divisive Legacy in Motorsports
Patrick’s outspoken nature has alienated some fans while endearing her to others. Critics argue that her commentary lacks depth and that her focus on conspiracy theories detracts from her credibility as a pundit. However, supporters point to her vast experience in motorsports, particularly in open-wheel racing, as a valuable asset to the F1 coverage team.
As Patrick navigates this new chapter, it remains to be seen whether she can win over her skeptics. With 2025 around the corner, there’s hope for a fresh start both on-screen and in her engagement with fans.
