Hendrick Motorsports, renowned for its success in the NASCAR Cup Series, is at the center of heated discussion among fans as concerns over the team’s 2025 performance intensify. Despite top-tier points standings entering the latest playoff reset, questions are being raised about whether the team’s on-track struggles signal a significant downturn, echoing their much-criticized seasons between 2017 and 2019. The phrase “Hendrick Motorsports 2025 struggles” has become a rallying point for fans on forums and social media alike.
In past seasons, Hendrick Motorsports, home to drivers like Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman, has set a high bar for dominance. Even with three of its four teams inside the top four in the standings, an undercurrent of doubt persists. Observers are highlighting uncharacteristic mistakes, including weaker qualifying results, inconsistent pit stops, and missed opportunities at marquee races such as Las Vegas, Darlington, Daytona, and Dover. This downturn has fueled comparisons to the rough patch from several years prior, causing fans and analysts to wonder if a similar period is returning.
Fans Express Disappointment and Frustration with Recent Results
The mood among followers has shifted from pride to concern, with many labeling Hendrick’s recent wins as isolated instances rather than evidence of sustained excellence. Notably, William Byron’s success at Iowa and Chase Elliott’s celebrated Atlanta win have provided sparks, but have not managed to silence the growing discontent.
Posts and commentary on platforms such as Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have laid bare the depth of worry permeating the fanbase. One Reddit user summed up the bleak atmosphere:
“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)
Dissecting team specifics, fans have repeatedly zeroed in on the No. 5 car, driven by Kyle Larson, accusing the crew of losing its competitive edge since Indianapolis. The sense is that small errors are snowballing across the team, especially in pit stops and during qualifying, leading to lost track position and momentum. Another critical post emphasized:
“Kyle Larson’s No. 5 team in particular has been under the microscope,”
— Name not provided
“It used to be the 5 car. Now they can’t really seem to run up front too much. They lose positions on pit road. Lose positions on track when they qualify well. They get one of five things right every weekend but that’s about it.”
— Name not provided
Key Drivers and Team Decisions Face Mounting Scrutiny
As the season has progressed, frustration has shifted toward not just team performance but individual drivers and organizational decisions. Some fans argue that drivers like Byron and Elliott are competing as if older points formats were still in play, while others believe Larson lacks enthusiasm for Cup racing. Alex Bowman has drawn particularly pointed criticism for his recent form. A fan’s blunt perspective on X reads:
“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)
The challenges have not escaped broader analysis, with several fans suggesting that issues may be as much about the car as the team, highlighting difficulties competing with Toyota or Penske vehicles, especially at venues like Phoenix where championships are often clinched. Another critical voice stated:
“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)
As the regular season moved past its midpoint, these deep-set frustrations became especially apparent after subpar performances by all four Hendrick cars at the Southern 500, finishing between 12th and 22nd—a far cry from their typical expectations. The lack of momentum has spurred questions about pit crew operations and adjustments during crucial stages of races, as well as the capacity for course correction before the 2026 campaign.
Looking Ahead: Potential Consequences as 2025 Winds Down
Many fans are increasingly convinced that the organization is on the brink of another slump unless a significant turnaround occurs before year’s end. The perception of internal disarray, missed chances at trophy events, and mounting pressure on elite drivers have added fuel to the fire. If the current trend persists, the team’s image could be damaged in the eyes of sponsors and supporters heading toward 2026, raising the stakes for everyone associated with Hendrick Motorsports.
What transpires in the closing months of the 2025 season will be closely watched not only by fans loyal to Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman but also by other teams, industry analysts, and sponsors assessing future partnerships. Whether the team can recapture its form or if the “Hendrick Motorsports 2025 struggles” narrative becomes reality for another year remains to be seen as NASCAR Cup Series competition intensifies.
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
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
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
