Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s most decorated modern teams, is facing mounting scrutiny from fans. Inconsistent performances throughout the 2025 season have sparked fears of a full-blown slump, similar to that of the team between 2017 and 2019.
Even with three of its four cars finishing inside the top four of the NASCAR Cup Series standings before the playoff reset, Hendrick is facing growing concern from fans who believe the team isn’t living up to its usual dominance.
Fans Voice Growing Concern for Hendrick Motorsports’ 2025 Campaign
Despite strong points finishes on paper, fans argue the team’s performance lacks the sharp dominance expected from a four-car juggernaut, featuring top drivers Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman.
On Reddit, one fan summed up the mood, saying, “Is it me or does Hendrick Motorsports seem off? Reminiscent of their 2017-19 days. Fluky wins, bad pit crews, poor qualifying as a team, and a plethora of missed opportunities: Las Vegas, Darlington 1, Coke 600, Michigan, Dover, Indianapolis, Daytona, and Gateway.”
Is it me or does Hendrick Motorsports seem off? Reminiscent of their 2017-19 days. Fluky wins, bad pit crews, poor qualifying as a team, and a plethora of missed opportunities: Las Vegas, Darlington 1 Co… (via u/realflags) https://t.co/zsm5cYgSQO #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/pYoRRwq0sm
— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) September 16, 2025
Despite three of Hendrick’s four cars being in the top four in the standings before the playoff reset, fans believe the team’s overall form has dipped since late May. The Southern 500 was a prime example, where all four cars struggled between 12th and 22nd.
While Byron’s Iowa victory and Elliott’s celebrated Atlanta win have provided headline moments, many fans still feel like the wins have been isolated flashes rather than part of a sustained wave of dominance.
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“Kyle Larson’s No. 5 team in particular has been under the microscope,” another fan noted. They’ve been off since Indy. Started off great. Running really well. And then all of a sudden they just can’t really find that extra that the cream of the crop have.
Criticism also spread to X, where fans have offered even sharper takes.
One fan said, “The Hendrick drivers just aren’t all that great. Bryon and Elliot drive like it’s the 2003 point format for some reason. Larson seems to lowkey hate Cup racing. Bowman just isn’t very good.”
The Hendrick drivers just aren’t all that great. Bryon and Elliot drive like it’s the 2003 point format for some reason. Larson seems to lowkey hate Cup racing. Bowman just isn’t very good.
— UptownDonkey (@jsz0) September 16, 2025
Shifting the blame to the car, another fan added, “This car sucks unless you’re a Toyota or Penske at Phoenix for a fluky championship that they back into every year. Larson hasn’t seemed into it since May, Chase and Byron are super consistent but with this shitty format that doesn’t matter and Bowman has just struggled.”
This car sucks unless you’re a Toyota or Penske at Phoenix for a fluky championship that they back into every year. Larson hasn’t seemed into it since May, Chase and Byron are super consistent but with this shitty format that doesn’t matter and Bowman has just struggled
— Aaron (@Ace_Freeman72) September 16, 2025
Fans fear that the 2025 season marks the start of another downswing for the Hendricks’ team. If the team and its elite drivers cannot deliver a stronger, more cohesive run to close out 2025, sponsors and fans alike may view the team as vulnerable heading into 2026.
