Danica Patrick slams NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. for 'insensitive' and '

Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick publicly criticized Martin Truex Jr. for the way that he addressed the death of his former partner, Sherry Pollex.

Pollex passed away on Sunday after a lengthy battle with ovarian and lung cancer that began in 2014.

Patrick, who is now an analyst with Sky Sports’ F1 coverage, lambasted the tone of Truex’s statement as being ‘insensitive’.

‘I avoid negativity on social at almost all costs. Almost…’ Patrick wrote in a post on her Instagram story on Monday.

But this the most insensitive disconnected statement from a guy that I have never liked. And obviously for good reason.

‘I don’t care what happened between them but this is as cold as it gets. A PR rep wrote this guaranteed. You’re free from this now sherry.’

Truex’s statement addressed Sherry’s battle without sharing any insight into their relationship.

From the very minute of her diagnosis, Sherry was determined to not only fight ovarian cancer with everything she had but also make a difference in the lives of others battling this terrible disease,’ Truex wrote.

‘Sherry’s passion for making a difference in the lives of others was inspiring to everyone. Through her tireless charity work for so many years, her legacy will live well beyond our lifetimes and continue to help countless families who are battling ovarian and childhood cancer.

‘I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her entire family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout her battle.’

NASCAR fans were not happy with Patrick’s handling of the situation – or the timing of her comments. They expressed their displeasure on social media.

‘To anyone who knows Danica Patrick personally. Be a GOOD Friend, go to her house, take her cell phone, and smash it with a hammer so the stupid can finally stop flowing from her fingertips. What an absolute a**hole,’ wrote one Twitter user.