Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick recently took to social media to express her opinion regarding a statement made by controversial figure Andrew Tate about U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The situation unfolded after President Joe Biden announced that he would not be seeking re-election, instead selecting Harris as the Democratic Party’s candidate. Patrick’s response, which backed Tate’s divisive remarks, sparked a considerable reaction online, further intensifying her already bold public persona.
Danica Patrick, who first made waves in motorsports, transitioned from the IndyCar Series to NASCAR in 2010, quickly becoming a household name. During her seven-year NASCAR career, Patrick participated in 191 Cup Series races, all while driving for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). She achieved seven top-10 finishes, with her best performance coming in the 2013 Daytona 500. That race saw her not only finish in eighth place but also make history as the first woman to lead laps in the prestigious event, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.
As the upcoming U.S. presidential election heats up, discussions around key candidates have taken center stage, and social media has become a battleground for opinions. Among the many voices weighing in on the political race is Andrew Tate, an internet personality known for his controversial statements. In one of his recent posts, Tate took aim at Kamala Harris and her supporters, saying:
“If you want Kamal(Harris) to win, you are an idiot. I do not respect your opinion, you’re a 100% stupid, you shouldn’t be allowed to vote. You’re genuinely dumb.”
Patrick, sharing Tate’s post on her Instagram story, endorsed his viewpoint. In her message, she acknowledged that Tate is a polarizing figure but expressed her admiration for people who are unafraid to voice their opinions. She wrote:
“Andrew Tate is a very divisive personality… and I tend to really like people like this. I think it’s because I love people who say what they want, regardless of the outcome. And I think he’s right a lot.”
This outspoken support for Tate’s controversial stance is reflective of Patrick’s post-racing persona, one that values boldness and unapologetic expression. After retiring from NASCAR, Patrick shifted gears, taking on a media role as a studio analyst for NBC Sports, where she covers the IndyCar Series—another connection to her motorsport past, as she competed in the series from 2005 to 2011. Beyond her work in broadcasting, Patrick has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including her ownership of Somnium, a vineyard located in St. Helena, California, and her clothing line, ‘Warrior by Danica Patrick.’
Patrick has also become a vocal figure on issues beyond motorsports, using her platform to speak about various social and political topics. One of her more recent statements came in response to the growing debate surrounding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. In a discussion with Codie Sanchez, a well-known Wall Street investor, Patrick addressed the physiological differences between men and women, arguing that male athletes hold an unfair advantage when competing in women’s sports due to biological factors.
“I was a girl in a guy’s sport. There are some true hormonal physiological reasons why men should not compete in women’s sports. When it comes to strength, when it comes to power, size, those things are really different. Men have at least 10 times the testosterone that women do, which is something that helps build lean muscle mass and gives you size and mass and power. It’s totally unfair,” Patrick explained.
Her remarks on this issue align with a broader conversation happening globally, particularly in light of recent controversies in sports, such as the 2024 Paris Olympics. In the women’s light welterweight boxing category, a significant incident took place when Italy’s Angela Carini abandoned the ring after sustaining heavy blows from her Algerian opponent, Imane Khelif. The situation highlighted the challenges and concerns surrounding fairness in women’s sports when transgender athletes compete, reigniting debate over the appropriate regulations for such events.
Patrick’s thoughts on the matter reflect her broader views on fairness in competition, something she’s been vocal about throughout her career. As one of the few women to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, Patrick has firsthand experience navigating the gender dynamics within a male-dominated field. Her position on trans athletes, much like her endorsement of Andrew Tate’s remarks, underscores her willingness to engage with divisive topics, even if it draws criticism.
In summary, Danica Patrick continues to be an influential voice, both in and out of the motorsports world. From her endorsement of Andrew Tate’s controversial statement about Kamala Harris to her opinions on the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, Patrick remains unafraid to speak her mind, even if it places her in the center of polarizing debates. As the 42-year-old former driver balances her media career and entrepreneurial ventures, her public statements ensure that she stays relevant in discussions far beyond the racing track, all while remaining true to her outspoken nature.
