Danica Patrick made headlines once again on Sunday, albeit not for the reasons she might have anticipated. While motorsport enthusiasts tuned into the 2025 Indy 500 on FOX, many flocked to social media to express their views on Patrick’s outfit during the pre-race broadcast.
The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, now an influential figure in motorsports commentary, teamed up with Tony Stewart and Chris Myers to helm the coverage of this prestigious event.
FOX Sports had promoted this trio as a dynamic lineup for the network’s inaugural Indy 500 broadcast. However, Patrick’s striking black and white, one-shoulder striped dress quickly became the center of online chatter, garnering more attention than the race itself in the early moments.
Audience Reactions
As the broadcast began, viewers wasted no time in sharing their opinions online. The feedback was immediate, direct, and largely negative. Some viewers reported changing the channel shortly after seeing Patrick. Others described her outfit as “a fail” and “inappropriate” for the occasion.
Indiana loves @DanicaPatrick! pic.twitter.com/SU0wMJQFcL
— Senator Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) May 25, 2025
A more humorous take suggested, “Y’all are mocking Danica’s outfit but enemy submarines can’t tell how far away she is. That’s a tactical advantage.”
Y’all are mocking Danica’s outfit but enemy submarines can’t tell how far away she is. That’s a tactical advantage.
— Ioná Albuquerque (@Coimbra_Bertone) May 25, 2025
Much of the criticism centered on the outfit’s striking contrast with the broadcast’s backdrop. One viewer remarked, “That black/white diagonally striped dress on Danica Patrick for the pre-race broadcast is hideous and shows poorly on TV. How in the heck was such a dress chosen for TV?”
I’m not one to usually snark on these type of things, but that black/white diagonally striped dress on Danica Patrick for the pre-race broadcast is hideous and shows poorly on TV. How in the heck was such a dress chosen for TV?? Really oblivious decision there, @IndyCarOnFOX. https://t.co/oxqFa9osUM
— Chris DiLapi (Big Twelve Conference Supporter) (@cmdilapi) May 25, 2025
Patrick, who famously led 19 laps in the Indy 500 in 2005 and finished third in 2009—still the highest finish ever by a woman—has never been one to shy away from dramatic fashion statements. However, Sunday’s outfit clearly struck a chord with many traditional race fans, who appeared to expect a different aesthetic for such a significant event.
“Sometimes you play in the Bronx and it sounds like 300,000 people, but to actually see 300,000 people is pretty overwhelming”@jack_harvey93 talks with @derekjeter and @AROD ahead of the #Indy500 pic.twitter.com/JmVlh8fhbP
— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) May 25, 2025
As of yet, FOX Sports has not commented on the backlash. Meanwhile, Patrick maintained her poise throughout the broadcast, concentrating on delivering pre-race content alongside Stewart and Myers as the green flag loomed closer.
The complete 2025 Indy 500 race ran live on FOX, officially starting just before 1 p.m. ET.
