Petition seeks to remove Danica Patrick as F1 commentator for supporting Donald Trump

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: A petition to remove Danica Patrick as an F1 commentator has been gaining traction online after the NASCAR driver openly showed support for President-elect Donald Trump and the MAGA movement in the 2024 elections.

The former NASCAR star had earlier stated during an interview with Fox News that she had never voted in a presidential election earlier, but this time, she would be voting for Trump.

Petition seeks to remove Danica Patrick as F1 commentator

Some people on the internet started a petition on change.org titled "Remove Danica Patrick as Formula 1 Commentator on Sky Sports". The content of the petition also explained why the petition mattered.

The petition read, "We, the undersigned, call on Sky Sports to remove Danica Patrick from her role as a Formula 1 commentator. As a prominent figure in motorsport and a key voice on Sky Sports’ F1 coverage, it is essential that commentators uphold the inclusive, diverse, and politically neutral values that Formula 1 represents."

It also stated, "Danica Patrick’s open support for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement in the 2024 US Elections is fundamentally at odds with these values."

It further added, "Danica Patrick, a former professional racing driver and current Formula 1 commentator on Sky Sports, has publicly declared her support for Donald Trump and the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement during the 2024 US Elections."

The petition continued, "We believe that this alignment with MAGA is incompatible with the core values of both Formula 1 and Sky Sports, and we urge her removal from the broadcast team."

FIA's political neutrality and its clarification

Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has mentioned on its website about its conduct towards governments and private organizations.

Article 3 of FIA's Ethics and Conduct 2020 states, "The FIA Parties and Third Parties shall work to maintain harmonious relations with national authorities, in accordance with the principle of universality and political neutrality of the FIA."

Moreover, Article 12.2.1.n has been included in the FIA International Sporting Code (ISC) to cement the FIA’s longstanding commitment to protecting motor sports' neutrality.

The rule states, "The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction."

The article applies that participants are not allowed to make political, religious and/or personal statements in violation of the general principle of neutrality during FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists), activities on the track (Course) area or equivalent (e.g., during the Drivers Parade and the national anthem), or pre-race / post-race procedures or equivalent (e.g., the podium ceremony, in the cool-down room, or at the start- and end-of-season group photos). 

Interestingly, the rules mentioned by FIA are for its participants, whereas Patrick is a former NASCAR racer and a current commentator.

Internet slams Danica Patrick for openly supporting Donald Trump despite FIA's neutrality policy

Several internet users slammed Danica Patrick for openly supporting President-elect Donald Trump and the MAGA movement in the 2024 elections despite FIA's political neutrality stance.

Some comments on the petition webpage read, "She’s also horrible at her job…" and "I don't think a vocal trump supporter should have a place in a sport that claims it has no tolerance for political agendas."

One person stated, "She's a bad representation of women in the sport and her skill as a commentator is simply not high enough to counterbalance that fact," whereas another wrote, "Danica Patrick’s voice makes my ears bleed. Also if the FIA does not allow their athletes to speak about politics than the commentators should not be allowed either."

One individual commented, "Even before her public affiliation with Trump, Patrick's views on women in motorsport were outright shocking considering her legacy as a female in motorsport."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.