Mario Andretti’s criticism of Danica Patrick’s work ethic at Michael Andretti’s IndyCar team dates back to her final seasons with the team, particularly around the time she transitioned to NASCAR.
Danica Patrick is a retired American professional racing driver and model. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel car racing.
On the other hand, Mario Andretti is a former American racing driver and businessman.
Recently, a conflict between Patrick and Andretti centered on Patrick’s dedication to Michael Andretti’s IndyCar team during her final two seasons.
This criticism has resurfaced recently due to Patrick’s involvement in the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, Season 7, which was released on March 7, 2025.
This probably has reignited discussions about her past involvement with the Andretti team and the dynamics between her and Mario Andretti.
Despite Past Criticisms, Mario Andretti And Danica Patrick Have Maintained a Respectful Relationship!
Mario Andretti highlighted Danica Patrick‘s half-hearted involvement with his son Michael’s IndyCar team.
He mentioned that during her final two seasons with the team (2010 and 2011), Patrick’s focus shifted to the NASCAR Nationwide Series, which affected her performance in IndyCar.
Mario Andretti agreed with Michael’s stance that Patrick was not giving her 100% to the team.
2008 Mid-Ohio
— Hickey (@Hickey93) July 3, 2024
𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞 is angry with 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗞𝗔 𝗗𝗨𝗡𝗢 after practice and decides to confront her after the session. Milka was not having it#INDYCAR #Honda200 pic.twitter.com/6SFDGO1hqg
Moreover, Marco Andretti, Mario’s grandson, also addressed his comments on Danica Patrick from the 2009 Bombardier Learjet 550 race at Texas Motor Speedway.
During the race, he expressed frustration with his teammate, Danica Patrick, who was battling for a position in the top five.
Marco Andretti said he was frustrated and made some harsh comments in the heat of the moment.
He later addressed these comments during testing at Watkins Glen International, explaining that his frustration had led to the remarks and that it had been a gut reaction.
Also, he clarified that he never meant to say Patrick was a bad teammate, only that she was driving like one at the time, saying,
I just said what I was feeling. I was frustrated. But we talked it out. It’s not the first time it’s happened and it’s not the last time it’s going to happen. We just have to work the best we can together.
On the other hand, Patrick responded by saying that it’s common for drivers to have differences of opinion and that she and Marco were fine.
She said,
Marco and I are fine. It’s definitely nothing new to have drivers out there pushing and competing for positions and having differences about things.
Moreover, she acknowledged that they were racing for position and that such incidents are part of the sport’s competitive nature.
Despite this, they are both respectful of each other. Mario often praises Patrick for her contributions to motorsport and impact on the sport.
He has acknowledged her achievements and expressed admiration for her career, especially when she chose to end her racing career with the Indy 500.
Similarly, Danica Patrick, on her part, has always shown respect for Mario Andretti and his legacy in the racing world.
While there have been moments of tension, both have demonstrated professionalism and mutual respect over the years.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mario competed in Formula One from 1968 to 1982 and in IndyCar from 1964 to 1994.
- Michael Andretti won the 1991 CART championship and amassed 42 race victories.
