At the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, former racing star Danica Patrick caused quite a stir by vocally defending Max Verstappen amidst a whirlwind of controversy. The defending champion faced scrutiny after a contentious on-track incident that left fans divided. As the debate raged on, Patrick stepped into the fray, arguing passionately that the FIA’s handling of Verstappen’s situation was fair and just, contrasting it sharply with the numerous times Lewis Hamilton was accused of cheating.

Patrick, now a prominent motorsport commentator, has never shied away from speaking her mind. In this instance, she took to the airwaves to express her unwavering support for the FIA’s decision not to penalize Verstappen harshly. According to Patrick, the Dutchman’s actions during the race were within the bounds of aggressive but fair competition, a hallmark of his driving style that has made him both admired and criticized in equal measure.

“There’s a clear difference between what Max did and the situations Lewis found himself in,” Patrick stated. “The FIA made the right call here. Max was racing hard, as he always does, but he wasn’t breaking any rules. He’s being punished for being successful, and that’s not fair. People need to understand that aggressive driving doesn’t automatically mean cheating.”

Patrick’s comments come at a time when the tension between Verstappen and Hamilton fans is at an all-time high. The rivalry between the two drivers has been a central narrative in Formula 1 for years, with each incident on track fueling further animosity between their respective fanbases. However, Patrick’s defense of Verstappen wasn’t just about the Dutch driver; it was also an opportunity for her to address what she perceives as a broader issue within the sport—the double standards applied to drivers based on their past performances and reputations.

“Look at how Lewis was treated in the past,” Patrick continued. “Every time he pushed the limits, people were quick to call it cheating. The FIA had to step in so many times to clear his name. It’s almost as if people can’t accept that someone could dominate the sport so completely without bending the rules. But that’s what great drivers do—they push boundaries, and sometimes those boundaries get blurred. But that doesn’t make them cheaters.”

Patrick’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion within the motorsport community, with many applauding her for calling out what they see as hypocrisy in the treatment of top drivers. Others, however, have criticized her for what they perceive as a biased defense of Verstappen, suggesting that her comments ignore the legitimate concerns raised by those who believe the Dutchman’s aggressive driving style sometimes crosses the line.

Despite the controversy, Patrick remains steadfast in her belief that the FIA acted correctly in their judgment at the Dutch GP. She insists that Verstappen’s success should be celebrated, not scrutinized, and that the comparisons to Hamilton’s past accusations are not only unfair but also detract from the true spirit of competition in Formula 1.

As the dust settles on the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, one thing is clear: Danica Patrick’s defense of Max Verstappen has added yet another layer to the ongoing debate about fairness, sportsmanship, and the role of the FIA in maintaining the integrity of Formula 1. Whether you agree with her or not, Patrick’s words have undoubtedly reignited a conversation that shows no signs of slowing down.