Danica Patrick drew significant online criticism during FOX’s pre-race coverage of the Freedom 250 after praising President Donald Trump and others involved in bringing the Washington, D.C., race to life.
Patrick credited FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Trump, whose executive order helped establish the race. Her remarks quickly prompted divided reactions from viewers online, including criticism that the broadcast had become too political.
After the race, Patrick remained enthusiastic about the event. In an Instagram post, she praised the Freedom 250, thanked its organizers and Trump, and said she hoped the race would stay on the IndyCar schedule.
Freedom 250 marks a historic return
Washington, DC, hosted its first major professional motor race in almost 25 years this past weekend. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix brought IndyCar racing to the nation’s capital for the very first time ever.
A presidential executive order made the temporary street circuit possible near several of the city’s iconic landmarks. Drivers completed 147 laps around the 1.7-mile course built for the event.
Kyle Kirkwood ultimately won the race, with Christian Lundgaard and Will Power rounding out the podium finish. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump both attended, adding star power to an already unusual sporting occasion.
Patrick praises Trump during a broadcast
Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick joined FOX’s special pre-race coverage of the Freedom 250 on Sunday alongside host Chris Myers and racing legend Hélio Castroneves.
During the broadcast, Patrick credited FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks, Penske Corporation President Bud Denker, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and President Trump with helping turn the race from an idea into reality. She said its rapid creation was a fitting celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Her comments drew immediate attention and criticism from some viewers online. FOX Sports later shared a clip of Patrick discussing the historic race and reflecting positively on the day in Washington.
Fans erupt over her opening remarks
Viewers reacted swiftly and harshly to Patrick’s glowing remarks about the president during the live broadcast segment. Many accused her of turning a sports broadcast into a political tribute instead of focusing purely on racing.
One social media user wrote that watching the FOX crew praise Trump felt genuinely nauseating to witness. Another commenter said Patrick added absolutely nothing valuable to the broadcast beyond her enthusiastic political commentary on air.
Backlash started before the race aired
Criticism of Patrick’s involvement actually began well before the race ever started on Sunday morning in Washington DC. Fans objected the moment FOX announced its broadcast lineup, with some even threatening to skip watching entirely.
Detractors publicly questioned why Patrick was chosen over other accomplished drivers with stronger racing credentials and career accolades. One fan called the broadcast lineup a disappointing choice compared to more deserving motorsport commentators available today.
Similar frustrations echoed earlier complaints about her appearance during last year’s Indianapolis 500 broadcast on live television. Fans have consistently questioned whether her commentary style truly fits the tone and expertise major motorsport coverage demands.
Patrick fires back at her critics
Patrick did not stay quiet for long after the wave of online criticism aimed squarely at her this weekend. She took to Instagram following the race to make her feelings about the backlash abundantly clear.
She captioned it, describing the Freedom 250 as a spectacular event on America’s calendar honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. This significant celebration brings communities together to reflect on history and envision a vibrant future.
Patrick made it clear she felt no need whatsoever to apologize for her enthusiastic coverage of the race. She emphasized that she enjoyed her entire weekend regardless of what online critics said about her performance.
Little-known fact: When Danica’s longtime sponsor pulled support, she said it forced her to let go of racing and focus on what she calls her “three passion projects”: a wellness book, a Napa Valley vineyard, and an activewear line.
Patrick has faced political controversy before
Patrick’s outspoken political views have increasingly become part of the public discussion surrounding her broadcasting appearances, drawing both support and criticism online.
She also ended her five-year association with Sky Sports F1 before the 2026 season, but she was not fired by the network. Patrick said she personally decided to leave after the final race of 2025 and informed Sky that it was time for her to move on.
Her Sky Sports appearances began in 2021, and she later described the experience positively, thanking the team for the opportunity.
Patrick hopes the DC race returns next year
Despite the ongoing backlash, Patrick expressed genuine hope that Washington DC earns a permanent spot on future IndyCar calendars. She thanked organizers again for bringing the ambitious street race to life so successfully this year.
Her second Instagram message credited Bud Denker and Eric Shanks for dreaming up the race in the first place. She also thanked Secretary Duffy and President Trump for helping the event cross the finish line.
Patrick admitted the entire weekend felt more like a dream than actual reality from start to finish. She said she hopes the race stays on the schedule regardless of how this year’s edition unfolded.
Little-known fact: Patrick started karting at age 10 with her family, then relocated to England by herself as a teenager and spent three years racing there before returning to the U.S. to launch her IndyCar career.
What this means for IndyCar’s future
The Freedom 250’s debut raises real questions about whether Washington, DC, will become a lasting fixture on future IndyCar schedules. Organizers will likely weigh public reaction and event logistics before fully committing to next year’s calendar.
IndyCar driver Graham Rahal publicly defended the event after critics claimed it wasted taxpayer money on a political spectacle. He noted that Penske Corporation privately funded the entire race rather than relying on public funds.
Whatever happens next, Patrick’s role in the broadcast ensured Freedom 250 became one of the most talked-about motorsport events this entire year. The debate over her presence on air is likely far from over.
TL;DR
- Washington, D.C. hosted IndyCar’s first-ever race, the Freedom 250, made possible by a Trump executive order.
- Kyle Kirkwood won the race; Trump and Melania Trump attended in person.
- Danica Patrick praised Trump, Bud Denker, Eric Shanks, and Secretary Duffy on air during FOX’s pre-race broadcast.
- Fans slammed her remarks as overly political, with some criticism starting even before the race aired.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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