What Happened to Danica Sue Patrick?

Danica Patrick, born March 25, 1982, carved out a historic career in motorsports, breaking gender barriers in both IndyCar and NASCAR. Her journey began with go-karts at age 10, leading her to race Formula Fords in the United Kingdom before returning to the U.S. to compete in IndyCar. A pivotal moment came in 2008 when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the Indy Japan 300. She also achieved the highest finish by a woman in the Indianapolis 500, placing third in 2009.

Patrick transitioned to stock car racing full-time in 2012, joining the NASCAR Cup Series. In 2013, she made history again by becoming the first woman to win a pole position for the Daytona 500, ultimately finishing eighth in the race. While her NASCAR career did not yield a victory, she recorded seven top-10 finishes in the Cup Series. Her decision to retire from full-time racing was announced in November 2017, with her final races being the 2018 Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, dubbed the 'Danica Double.' She cited a lack of enjoyment and a desire to pursue other interests as reasons for stepping away from the demanding racing schedule.

Since her retirement from racing in May 2018, Patrick has successfully reinvented herself as an entrepreneur and media personality. She owns Somnium Wine, a Napa Valley wine brand, and has developed the 'Pretty Intense' lifestyle brand, which includes a book and a popular podcast featuring discussions on life, wellness, and inspiring ideas. She also has an athleisure collection called 'Warrior by Danica Patrick' and a home scent collection, VOYANT by Danica. Her net worth is estimated at $80 million, largely attributed to strategic brand partnerships, investments, and these entrepreneurial ventures.

In her post-racing career, Patrick has also been active in broadcasting. She served as a pundit for Sky Sports' Formula 1 coverage from 2021, primarily covering North American races. However, in early 2026, she announced her departure from Sky Sports F1, stating it was her decision to have more time for other projects and interests, including building a new company and learning new sports like tennis, golf, and skiing. As of May 15, 2026, Patrick is slated to return to motorsports broadcasting as part of FOX Sports' coverage of the 2026 Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend and pre-race show, a move that has generated both support and criticism among fans.

Her personal life has also remained in the public eye. After relationships with fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, she was reported to be in a relationship with businessman Carter Comstock in 2021, which ended in 2022. In late 2025 and early 2026, Patrick subtly confirmed a new, unidentified boyfriend through social media posts. She has also become more outspoken on political and cultural topics, notably voting for Donald Trump in October 2024. In May 2026, she shared a personal best golf score of 83, demonstrating her engagement with new athletic pursuits. Despite her continued visibility, a viral online poll in May 2026 labeled her as one of the 'most disliked' drivers in racing history, highlighting her polarizing public image.