In a surprising turn of events at this year’s Indy 500, former race car driver Danica Patrick is under fire after fans criticized her choice of attire during the broadcast. The incident, which unfolded during the high-stakes race, gained even more traction after spectators speculated that her “inappropriate outfit” may have distracted drivers — including NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who was involved in a crash shortly after her on-screen appearance.
Patrick, who retired from professional racing in 2018, was at the event in a broadcasting and promotional role. Social media quickly lit up with criticism, with some fans labeling her wardrobe as “unprofessional” and “out of place” for the serious nature of the event. The controversy intensified after Larson’s unexpected crash, leading to a flurry of online theories connecting the two incidents.
While there is no official evidence linking Patrick’s outfit to Larson’s crash, fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit were quick to draw a connection. “You can’t have a race legend dressed like that on national TV during a live race,” one user commented. “It’s distracting to everyone, including the drivers.”
Experts, however, were quick to dismiss the claim as baseless. “Drivers are focused on the track, not the television broadcast,” said former racer and commentator Bobby Allison. “Suggesting otherwise takes away from real safety concerns and race dynamics.”
Danica Patrick has yet to issue a public statement on the backlash. As for Larson, he was unharmed in the incident, and his team has not attributed the crash to any external distractions. Nonetheless, the debate has sparked broader conversations about professionalism, media influence, and the expectations placed on public figures in motorsport.
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