The world of motorsport has been shaken to its core following a bombshell dropped by former racing star Danica Patrick. In a candid interview earlier this week, Patrick made a statement that has sent ripples through the racing community: “Bubba Wallace is not a worthy champion, Kyle Larson should have won instead!” The comment, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms, has ignited fierce debate and divided fans, drivers, and analysts alike.

Patrick, who made history as the first woman to lead laps in the prestigious Daytona 500, has always been known for her straightforwardness and unwillingness to sugarcoat her opinions. However, her latest remarks have raised eyebrows, as they target one of NASCAR’s most popular figures, Bubba Wallace, and a fan-favorite driver, Kyle Larson. Patrick’s assertion that Wallace does not deserve the title of champion has led to a range of reactions, with some agreeing with her and others fiercely defending Wallace’s achievements.

In her statement, Patrick argued that Wallace’s performance throughout the season did not match the expectations of a champion. “Bubba had a decent season, but I don’t think his consistency and overall skill level were on par with what we expect from a NASCAR champion,” she explained. “Kyle Larson, on the other hand, had an incredible year. He was dominant in multiple races and displayed an unmatched level of talent. If you ask me, he should have taken home the trophy.”

Wallace, who has become one of the most prominent figures in NASCAR due to his advocacy for social justice and his on-track performance, has earned significant respect over the past few seasons. His breakthrough win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2021 made him the first African-American driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race in nearly 60 years. While some may argue that Wallace’s cultural impact and pioneering role in the sport are worthy of celebration, Patrick’s comment focuses solely on his performance on the track.

Kyle Larson, who Patrick has voiced support for, had an exceptional season in 2021, clinching multiple victories and earning the NASCAR Cup Series championship. His season was marked by consistent dominance, and many fans consider him one of the most talented drivers in the sport today. Patrick’s statement raises the question of whether Larson, with his exceptional racing record, deserved to be crowned champion instead of Wallace.

The fallout from Patrick’s comments has been swift. Supporters of Bubba Wallace have rallied to his defense, with many pointing out his role in breaking down barriers and bringing attention to racial inequality within NASCAR. They argue that while Wallace’s race wins may not have been as frequent as Larson’s, his influence on the sport and his ability to overcome adversity should be acknowledged. “Bubba Wallace’s impact on NASCAR is undeniable,” said one fan on social media. “It’s not just about winning races, it’s about breaking down walls and inspiring the next generation of drivers.”

On the other hand, supporters of Danica Patrick’s viewpoint argue that racing is a sport that should be defined by performance, not by off-track accomplishments. They believe that consistency and skill on the track should be the defining factors in awarding a championship, and that Larson’s dominance throughout the season made him a more deserving winner.

The controversy has sparked a broader discussion within the motorsport community about the criteria for determining a champion. Is it simply about the number of wins and podium finishes, or should factors like consistency, personal growth, and the ability to overcome adversity also be taken into account?

While Danica Patrick’s comments have certainly caused an uproar, they have also brought attention to the complexity of what it truly means to be a “worthy” champion. In NASCAR, as in any sport, the title of champion is not just about winning races — it’s about the journey, the challenges, and the impact a driver has on the sport as a whole. Whether or not Bubba Wallace is seen as a worthy champion will depend on who you ask, but there’s no denying that his time in NASCAR has already had a lasting influence.

For now, the racing world remains in heated debate. Some fans are calling for a more nuanced discussion of what it means to be a champion, while others are taking sides in the latest feud between two of the sport’s biggest personalities. Whatever the outcome, Danica Patrick’s bombshell has made it clear that the world of motorsports is never short of drama.