Danica Patrick has caused a storm of controversy in the Formula 1 world after making blunt comments about several top drivers, including Max Verstappen. Her statement that Verstappen “only wins by luck” sent shockwaves through the global motorsport community.
The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver is no stranger to bold opinions, but few expected her to take such direct aim at Verstappen. Patrick argued that his success was overly glorified, suggesting that circumstances, not skill, often play a greater role in his victories.
According to Patrick, Verstappen’s dominance in recent seasons has more to do with Red Bull’s superior vehicle performance and team strategy than with unparalleled driving genius. In her comments, she questioned whether fans and media have inflated his reputation beyond what he truly deserves.
While Patrick acknowledges that Verstappen is talented, she emphasizes that many other drivers could achieve similar results if they had the same machines and support. “He’s good, but he’s not untouchable,” she reportedly said during an interview that quickly went viral.
The response was immediate and intense. Known for their passion and greatness, Verstappen’s loyal fanbase flooded social media with defenses of the Dutch champion, with Patrick accused of jealousy and disrespect towards one of the sport’s most consistent performers.
Some F1 analysts dismissed her comments as striking, pointing out that Verstappen’s consistency, precision and ability to handle pressure had been proven over several seasons, regardless of track conditions or technical challenges.
However, others found some truth in Patrick’s criticism, noting that Formula 1 has always been a sport in which the performance of the cars often determines the results, and that Verstappen’s current dominance is underpinned by Red Bull’s remarkable technical lead.
This debate reopened the timeless F1 question: is success more about the driver or the car? Patrick’s statement reignited the debate over how much credit champions should get for piloting machines that are significantly superior to their competitors.
Verstappen’s supporters countered that talent still makes the difference. They argued that while many drivers had fast cars, few had maintained such dominance, avoided costly mistakes and maximized performance under pressure as consistently as Verstappen.
The controversy also sparked reactions from fellow drivers and commentators. Some defended Patrick’s right to express their opinions, while others criticized the timing, saying such comments only divided fans rather than enriching the conversation in the sport.
The comments were met with outrage in the Netherlands, Verstappen’s home country, with the media calling Patrick’s remarks “disrespectful” and “uninformed”. Several Dutch journalists reminded the audience of Verstappen’s record-breaking seasons and impeccable performances under extreme conditions.
Meanwhile, some motorsport fans in the United States supported Patrick’s position, arguing that Formula 1 often elevates certain drivers to untouchable status, ignoring that technology and team dominance affect results more than just driver talent.
Patrick herself made no apologies and later clarified that her comments were not personal in nature, but were aimed at challenging fans’ perceptions of modern Formula 1. She argued that a fair debate was necessary to keep the sport transparent and confident.
She went on to say that her frustration is not with Verstappen as a person, but rather that the F1 ecosystem tends to overvalue champions and undervalue others who perform admirably on less competitive machines.
Experts noted that Patrick’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among fans who feel that recent F1 seasons have become predictable, with one driver and one team dominating almost every race weekend with no real competition.
However, the Verstappen camp brushed aside the criticism. Sources close to the Red Bull driver said he remains focused on his racing goals and pays little attention to off-track drama or media speculation surrounding his legacy.
Team boss Christian Horner reportedly praised Verstappen’s professionalism and dedication, insisting that no amount of ‘luck’ could maintain the kind of consistent dominance he has shown in multiple championships.
Opinions remain divided in the paddock. Some insiders believe that Patrick’s words highlight the envy that often surrounds top athletes, while others see them as justified criticism of the increasing imbalance between teams and drivers in Formula 1.
As the unrest continues, many fans are recognizing that there is a grain of truth on both sides: Verstappen’s extraordinary achievements are based on both skill and machinery, a balance that has characterized Formula 1 since its inception.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Danica Patrick’s statement has reignited the global conversation about what truly defines greatness in motorsports: raw talent, the perfect car or the right mix of both. Whatever the answer, the debate ensures that Formula 1 remains as passionate and unpredictable off the track as it is on it.
