Where Are They Now? Danica Patrick

The former race car driver isn’t slowing down following her retirement.

Danica Patrick / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

It’s been quite a few years since we caught up with former professional race car driver Danica Patrick. The athlete, who retired from professional driving in 2018, made two appearances in the SI Swimsuit Issue, including a 2008 debut, which she followed up with a second feature in ‘09.

When she returned for her 2009 feature, the athlete made it known that it was the experience that brought her back for a second round. “It was so much fun for me the first time around,” she said on set. It was exciting for Patrick “to be able to think that [she] could do it again.” Ultimately, “to be in just a cool magazine” made the return more than worth it.

At the time, she was at the height of her professional career. In 2008, Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, taking home the trophy at the Indy Japan 300. 

Though she retired just about a decade later, she left a legacy behind her and has maintained a connection to her former sport. With training and practice no longer her main priority, the Wisconsin native has pursued some other meaningful passions in recent years. Here’s what the two-time SI Swimsuit model has been up to lately.

Danica Patrick and SI Swimsuit

Patrick’s partnership with the brand started back in 2008, when she traveled to Singer Island, Fla., for her debut. There, the athlete posed for a series of stunning race car-themed photos captured by Ben Watts. By that, we mean Patrick stepped out onto the beach in white swimwear accompanied by her race car uniform—a black and blue suit and matching helmet.

Danica Patrick was photographed by Ben Watts in Singer Island, Fla. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

In 2009, she returned to the SI Swimsuit set for a second consecutive feature. This time around, her photo shoot took place in a New York studio.

Danica Patrick podcast

In the fall of 2019, Patrick started her own podcast, Pretty Intense. She created it with the intention of inspiring others. Patrick believes, she wrote in the show description, that we all have the capacity to achieve great things, and hopes to inspire her audience to achieve their dreams through candid conversations with her guests.

In each episode, the former pro athlete sits down with a guest—either a family member, friend, celebrity, musician, artist, expert or entrepreneur—and discusses everything from life to success and finding (and embracing) your best self.

Danica Patrick relationships

From 2005 to 2013, Patrick was married to Paul Edward Hospenthal, a physical therapist, whom she met when recovering from a hip injury in 2002. Since their divorce, she has had relationships with various professional athletes, including fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

These days, Patrick does not appear to be in a serious relationship.

Danica Patrick career stats

When Patrick was named the Rookie of the Year for both the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series, her bright future in the sport became nothing short of a guarantee. 

The athlete only took home a first place trophy one time—her 2008 win at the Indy Japan 300. However, she made a total of seven podium appearances (finishing in the top three in the field) in the IndyCar Series. 

Danica Patrick / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

In the NASCAR Cup Series, Patrick holds the records for highest finish by a woman in both the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. Plus, she became one of just 14 professional drivers to have led both NASCAR races.

These days, though she’s no longer racing herself, you can still find her near the track. The former pro works as a Sky Sports F1 commentator, announcing during big races like the Grand Prix in Las Vegas.

Danica Patrick / David Kirouac-Imagn Images