In a moment that sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick dropped a jaw-dropping statement about Alex Palou following Kyle Kirkwood’s stunning victory at the Long Beach Grand Prix. The remark, only eight words long, has since gone viral and ignited a storm of discussion among racing fans and insiders alike.

“He’s fast, but he’s losing his fire.”
That’s what Danica said during a post-race analysis on NBC Sports, referring to 2021 IndyCar Champion Alex Palou. And just like that, the floodgates opened.
Palou, known for his consistent performance and calm demeanor behind the wheel, had a solid but unspectacular finish at Long Beach—far from the dominant performances that once made him the driver to beat. Meanwhile, Kirkwood stunned the paddock by securing his first win of the 2025 season, showing a level of grit and control that drew praise from nearly every corner of the racing community.
But it was Danica’s blunt assessment of Palou that stole the headlines.
The context: A fading spark?
Patrick, who has never been one to sugarcoat her opinions, elaborated slightly after the broadcast. “Look, I admire Alex. He’s smart, strategic, and incredibly talented. But lately, it’s like he’s holding something back. In this sport, you need fire. Kirkwood had it today—you could see it in his eyes.”
While many fans applauded Patrick’s honesty, others pushed back. Social media lit up with mixed reactions—some agreeing that Palou’s performance has lacked its usual edge, others defending him as a calculated driver playing the long game.
One user wrote, “Danica just said what many are thinking. Palou is good, but is he still hungry?” Another tweeted, “This is classic Danica—always looking for drama. Palou’s still a top contender.”
Kirkwood’s breakthrough moment
Kyle Kirkwood, who started from third on the grid, executed a flawless strategy and held off seasoned drivers including Josef Newgarden and Colton Herta to clinch a well-deserved win. His aggressive yet composed driving style marked a significant step forward in his career.
“I knew this day would come,” Kirkwood said in the post-race press conference. “We’ve been building toward this, and the car felt incredible today.”
Kirkwood’s win has suddenly reshaped the early dynamics of the IndyCar season. Once viewed as a solid mid-grid driver, his performance at Long Beach has many rethinking his championship potential.
Palou under pressure
Alex Palou, meanwhile, finished in fifth—a respectable result, but one that felt overshadowed by Kirkwood’s headline-making performance. In his own post-race comments, Palou appeared composed, even as questions swirled about his mindset.
“We just didn’t have the pace to fight for the win today. I’m not worried. The season is long, and we’re staying focused,” Palou told reporters.
Still, Patrick’s comment lingered. Fans and pundits alike began dissecting Palou’s recent results. Though he remains in the top five in the championship standings, his 2025 season hasn’t started with the dominance many expected from the Chip Ganassi Racing driver.
A turning point in the season?
Danica Patrick’s pointed words may serve as more than just a hot take—they could mark a narrative turning point for the season. In a sport where psychology is as critical as machinery, public perception can shift quickly. Will Palou rise to the challenge and reignite that inner fire? Or will rising stars like Kirkwood continue to steal the spotlight?
The power of eight words
It’s not often that eight simple words dominate a post-race weekend, but Danica’s statement hit a nerve. Her comment reflects a broader conversation within motorsports—about passion, performance, and the hunger to win. It also underscores her ongoing influence in the racing community as a former driver turned broadcaster.
Whether you agree with her or not, Danica Patrick once again proved she knows how to stir the pot—and make the world of racing pay attention.
Final thoughts
As the 2025 IndyCar season gains momentum, all eyes will be on Palou. Will he answer the criticism with a dominant comeback? Will Kirkwood continue to climb the ranks? And will Danica have more sharp takes to deliver?
One thing is certain: IndyCar just got a whole lot more interesting.