Denny Hamlin, the veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, shared a significant shift in his perspective following a direct conversation with Bubba Wallace. The discussion took place after last week’s Kansas race, with both drivers revisiting their interaction in the aftermath at Charlotte Motor Speedway, highlighting the focus keyword: Denny Hamlin perspective shift.
The exchange with Wallace led Hamlin to reconsider how he communicates within his role as both a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and a team leader for 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns with Michael Jordan. Instead of approaching the conversation solely from his own viewpoint, Hamlin found himself challenged to listen more openly and respond with greater empathy, a change highlighted during the media session at Charlotte.
A Shift Born From Honest Dialogue
Hamlin recounted that he began the post-race discussion with Wallace ready to present his side of recent events but quickly realized that Wallace’s mindset was not centered on their on-track encounters. Instead, Hamlin was surprised and prompted to rethink his typical approach when Wallace indicated that he was unconcerned with any competitive friction from the race itself. This realization altered the direction of the conversation and deepened Hamlin’s self-reflection as both a leader and mentor.
Hamlin said,
“Yeah, we are good. And certainly feel as though it was good to hear others’ perspectives. Because certainly, we kind of go all week and you think you know where the other stands, and then, I kind of prepared in my mind, ‘Okay, it’s my turn to talk, here’s what happened.’”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver
The unique context of Hamlin’s career, holding a dual identity as Cup driver and team owner, underscores the complexities involved in balancing professional relationships and expectations. His exchange with Wallace exemplified how quickly assumptions can be challenged and new insights found.
A Pivotal Moment in Leadership for 23XI Racing
As the conversation unfolded, Hamlin realized that Wallace’s main concerns lay elsewhere, not with the on-track incidents. This unexpected response redirected Hamlin’s attention to the need for active listening and adjusting his leadership style to prioritize understanding.
Hamlin described the moment:
“And he’s like, ‘No, no, okay, I don’t care, the on-track’s fine.’ I was like, ‘Oh, so I need to rethink my strategy now.’ I just had to pivot right into, ok let me let me think back to what you said and hear him out, make sure he’s heard. Make sure he knows that I did hear him and understand, and I made it very clear that I can always be better.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver
This exchange illuminated the importance of slowing down and making sure to genuinely hear other team members out. Hamlin emphasized that leaders can often fall into the trap of believing they know where everyone stands, only to realize that listening is key to effective collaboration and conflict resolution. This lesson, though derived from what appeared to be a simple conversation, carries weight in a high-pressure team environment.
Lessons on Empathy and Team Communication
In the aftermath, Hamlin pointed out that the key takeaway from his dialogue with Wallace involves maintaining consistent, empathetic checks on team morale and communication. He stressed the importance of making sure every individual feels acknowledged, even if they seem outwardly fine. This approach marks a significant evolution for Hamlin in how he manages relationships across the 23XI Racing organization and with fellow drivers.
“From my perspective, it’s just making sure everyone is fine even if they may seem like they are,”
Hamlin said. — Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver
He continued,
“Just checking with everyone to make sure that they’re listened to.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver
The ongoing partnership between Hamlin, Wallace, and Michael Jordan at 23XI Racing has always been characterized by dynamic interactions and mutual respect. This latest episode, played out in the media spotlight, sheds light on the benefit of honest internal communication and an owner’s willingness to grow based on feedback from colleagues, not just results on the track.
Potential Impact on Team Culture Moving Forward
This moment marks a turning point for Denny Hamlin and the 23XI Racing team. Hamlin’s reflection and willingness to adapt is poised to influence how he leads and supports not only Bubba Wallace but everyone within the organization. As the season continues, these changes in perspective might yield a more cohesive and communicative team dynamic, qualities essential in the fast-paced and demanding world of NASCAR.
With the Denny Hamlin perspective shift now public, fans and industry observers alike will watch to see how this renewed commitment to empathy and open dialogue shapes the successes and challenges ahead for 23XI Racing and its drivers.
I asked @dennyhamlin @CLTMotorSpdwy in scrum about where he and @BubbaWallace are at post- conversation after last weeks race. Listen, especially to the follow up question which had to be asked. pic.twitter.com/GyUvXCR2sc
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) October 4, 2025
