Sky Sports F1 pundit Danica Patrick revealed she has never voted before – but will be casting her vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming US presidential election. Former NASCAR star Patrick admitted that she is not proud of her past inaction, but stressed that Trump is the “rational and sensible” choice as he seeks a second term.

The former American racing driver said on Fox News this week that she intends to break her non-voting streak on November 5th. Patrick returned to the Formula One paddock at the weekend to cover the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. She found herself at the center of controversy because of her previous opinions.

Her stint as a pundit in Austin sparked a storm on social media, with fans suggesting her views were at odds with the network and the sport. Speculation followed about her being axed by Sky Sports, which was quickly debunked.

Her support for Trump is sure to polarize fans even further now that she listed his “lovable” qualities. Speaking to anchor Jesse Watters on Monday, Patrick said: “It feels like the election of Donald Trump is like the voice of reason. It’s like a rational, sensible decision.” She also questioned why “MAGA” – Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan – is viewed by some as derogatory.

Patrick explained: “There’s definitely a difference between the way men and women vote, and I think one of the reasons why women have a harder time voting might just be his personality.”

“That’s the most common answer you hear from people. ‘I just can’t vote for him.’ I don’t think that’s a good enough reason not to have dinner with him. You just have to like the country you live in.

Reflecting on Trump’s unexpected appearance as a McDonald’s waiter this week, the former driver added: “I think he has a great sense of humor. I think he is a man among men. I feel like you’ve got closure on that.” the humility that he has, the sense of humor that he has, the spontaneous confidence that he has.

“His ability to act so unscripted and act in so many scenarios where he essentially has to be himself, that’s pretty much it. You can’t see that from the other side, which I think is one of his most endearing and significant qualities, the fact that he’s just being himself. Express sport has since contacted Sky Sports for comment.

Patrick, who is the only woman in history to win an IndyCar Series race, explained that she didn’t have the time or energy to “understand” politics until she started watching the news earlier this year.

Nevertheless, the F1 analyst has never shied away from expressing her views on controversial topics such as climate change and the presence of female drivers in Formula 1. When asked last year how important it was to introduce a female driver into Formula 1, she controversially replied: “Well, you’re assuming that’s what I want, you’re assuming that’s important to me, and that it’s not.”

“That’s always an interesting stance that I take on it. I think what really makes the sport popular is the great racing – you can have half the field all women and follow the leader and it won’t be interesting to watch.” .

“Good race, and that’s what we have so often in Formula 1 these days. I mean, pretty much everything except Max is a matter of who’s going to be second, third, fourth, fifth this weekend and that’s it.” That’s what makes it really appealing. And so I think as someone who was obviously a girl, you just have to act normal.”