Denny Hamlin’s championship ambitions faced another setback in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series as he fell short in Phoenix, keeping his two-decade title drought ongoing. The emotional end for Hamlin, who has been a standout driver all season, drew a nuanced response from Brad Keselowski, centering the focus on the meaning of Hamlin’s journey and the current state of NASCAR competition—an example that highlights the Denny Hamlin championship loss and its implications.
Hamlin’s Title Quest Ends in Disappointment Again
For Hamlin, the 2025 season carried immense promise. As a 44-year-old veteran, he led the Cup Series with the most race wins and advanced through the playoff rounds, only to experience disappointment at the finale in Phoenix. Despite his strong form, which included six race victories that season, the championship ultimately eluded him once more. The playoff structure played a pivotal role, as the title was determined not by cumulative points but by a single race outcome, which left the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver visibly devastated upon exiting his car after the race.
While Hamlin once again delivered impressive results, his absence from the winner’s circle in the final championship race underscores a repeated frustration in his career. The loss was made starker considering there were no Team Penske drivers in the top Championship-4 contenders, yet Hamlin was unable to best Kyle Larson, one of the favorites from Team Hendrick, during the decisive event in Phoenix.
Brad Keselowski Weighs In on Hamlin’s Season and Modern NASCAR Priorities
After the Phoenix finale, Brad Keselowski, a Champion himself and current RFK Racing star, offered his thoughts on Hamlin’s continued pursuit of a title. Asked whether he felt sympathy for Hamlin, Keselowski acknowledged the setback but placed it in broader perspective. He remarked that, at this stage in their careers, the emphasis might be shifting away from championship titles to the value of individual race wins, a sentiment underlined by Hamlin’s sustained competitiveness and his tally of more than 60 career wins, including a remarkable showing in the 2025 season.
“Do I feel bad for Denny Hamlin? Yes, but we are in an age where race wins have more value than championships and he has won a lot the last few years.”
— Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Driver
Keselowski’s reflection suggests an evolving outlook among veteran drivers, where repeated race victories may represent career success as powerfully as season-long championships, particularly given the unpredictable nature of NASCAR’s playoff system. Despite Hamlin’s heartbreak, he is recognized for maintaining a high level of performance, refusing to be defined solely by the absence of a title win.
Current Realities for Non-Dominant NASCAR Teams
The conversation around Hamlin’s Denny Hamlin championship loss naturally leads to the prevailing team dynamics within the Cup Series. In recent years, Team Hendrick, Team Penske, and Joe Gibbs Racing have established themselves as the sport’s dominant forces, frequently fielding the drivers most likely to challenge for the championship at season’s end. These organizations regularly see their drivers, such as Kyle Larson and others, not only making it to the Championship-4 but clinching the title as well.
Brad Keselowski contributed his perspective on the competitiveness of other teams outside these front-runners. He candidly assessed the realities of the sport, pointing to factors such as current Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) rules that have made it unlikely for teams beyond Hendrick, Penske, or JGR to secure the championship. This has created a competitive imbalance, making the task of a title win particularly daunting for drivers and teams not aligned with NASCAR’s powerhouse organizations.
“Can someone other than Hendrick, Penske or Gibbs win the cup series championship? Not realistically with the current OEM rules”
— Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Driver
As the RFK Racing leader explained, the technical and competitive landscape significantly limits the prospects for upset victories, cementing the dominance of a few select teams and making Hamlin’s repeated battles—and near-misses for the championship—emblematic of broader trends in the sport.
What Lies Ahead for Denny Hamlin and NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
In the aftermath of the 2025 season, Denny Hamlin faces a critical juncture in his racing career. Although extremely disappointed, the resilient driver’s fortunes may chart diverging paths. He has previously discussed possible retirement within a few years, and the heartbreak of the latest defeat could hasten that decision. Alternatively, the season’s outcome could serve as renewed motivation for Hamlin to continue racing, striving for the elusive championship that has defined his lengthy career. Regardless, Hamlin remains a significant presence in NASCAR, displaying impressive skill and commitment each season.
The conversation generated by Brad Keselowski, and the circumstances surrounding this Denny Hamlin championship loss, highlight ongoing shifts in what counts most within the sport—be it race wins or championships—and the formidable grip that a select group of organizations holds over the title. The implications are profound for not just the drivers seeking legacy-defining victories, but for the entire competitive structure of NASCAR as the series looks ahead to future seasons. As the sport continues to evolve, the pursuit of racing excellence—and the heartbreak of near-misses—are certain to remain central to the drama on and off the track.
8). Do I feel bad for @dennyhamlin ?
Yes, but we are in an age where race wins have more value than championships and he has won a lot the last few years.
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 3, 2025
4). Can someone other than Hendrick, Penske or Gibbs win the cup series championship?
Not realistically with the current OEM rules
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) November 3, 2025
