Denny Hamlin has forcefully rejected criticism toward Kyle Larson’s 2025 championship win, which followed a dramatic NASCAR season finale, defending his fellow driver’s right to the title amid heated fan debate. The discussion around the legitimacy of Larson’s achievement ignited after Hamlin’s late-race pit decision allowed Larson to capture the Bill France Cup, an outcome that has divided the racing community.
Hamlin’s Pursuit and a Race-Defining Decision
The final race of the NASCAR Cup Series 2025 season saw Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin take control early, showing strong form and confidence coming into the much-anticipated finale. Hamlin led for more than 200 laps, putting himself in prime position to claim his first championship. However, a caution late in the competition forced the race into overtime, altering the strategic landscape for all competing drivers.
Faced with the challenging call during overtime, Hamlin opted to pit for four fresh tires, a move that proved costly as it handed the race advantage—and ultimately the title opportunity—to Kyle Larson. Despite not leading a single lap in the overtime segment, Larson clinched the championship after Hamlin’s pit stop opened the door. The result set off a flurry of reactions from fans, many of whom believed Hamlin was the deserving winner based on his dominance throughout the race and the season.
Fan Outrage and Hamlin’s Response
The aftermath of the season finale became overshadowed by controversy, as a vocal portion of the fanbase questioned the validity of Kyle Larson’s 2025 championship win. Critics argued that Larson, who did not appear to be the top performer in the finale, was less deserving than Hamlin, who demonstrated exceptional driving and strategy across the race and the broader season. Some fans even labeled Larson’s Cup victory as “underserving,” sparking widespread debate across social media and at major NASCAR events—including the highly visible NASCAR banquet.
Denny Hamlin publicly addressed this criticism, expressing frustration at the narrative detracting from Larson’s achievement and emphasizing the importance of respecting every champion’s journey. During his remarks at the banquet, Hamlin made it clear that he considers Larson a legitimate and worthy titleholder.
He’s been a great friend of mine. I hate for him that kind of the attention is shifted a little bit away from him and his championship because he’s definitely there’s a difference in deserving and should have been.
Denny Hamlin said Jeff Gluck on YouTube.
Hamlin highlighted that winning the NASCAR championship through the established rules and format requires exceptional performance, and he expressed his displeasure at seeing rivals face undue criticism simply for playing within the system. According to Hamlin, every driver who wins under NASCAR’s rules rightfully earns their championship.
I think that there there’s not a one person that can should ever question his deservingness of being a champion. That’s what I don’t like to see.
Denny Hamlin added.
As a co-owner at 23XI Racing, Hamlin shared that he was proud to see his teammate Kyle Larson take the crown, stating that personal relationships and team connections do not impact his belief in fairness. Hamlin asserted that even if Larson had been a direct rival rather than an ally, he would have stood by him against what he believed to be unfair judgment from fans and pundits alike.
But I mean he’s a great friend of mine and wasn’t me. I was definitely happy for him. But I was just trying to do the right thing as a friend and regardless of my you know feelings and emotions that evening I it was important for me to go show him support.
Denny Hamlin asserted.
Kyle Larson Shows Respect for Hamlin After Championship Win
In a heartfelt conversation with NASCAR The Day After, Kyle Larson reflected on his 2025 Cup win and the unique dynamic with his friend and competitor, Denny Hamlin. The drama of beating Hamlin in the final race did not escape Larson, who had openly voiced that, should he not win, he hoped Hamlin would have the chance to take the championship—reflecting the deep respect within the racing fraternity.
Larson praised Hamlin’s talent and relentless pursuit of the Bill France Cup, explicitly naming Hamlin as a true champion in character and skill. The driver of the No. 5 Chevy highlighted the emotional stakes and dedication involved in chasing NASCAR’s top honor, further fueling the conversation about legacy, opportunity, and recognition in the sport’s most competitive arena.
Championship or not, I think we all know he’s a champion driver and a champion of our sport. I hope he can someday feel the feeling of accomplishing a championship. It is something he has worked so hard for.
Kyle Larson said.
The relationship and mutual admiration between Larson and Hamlin offer a powerful lens through which to view the sometimes divisive aftermath of championship-deciding races. Even as debate continues, many in the racing world echo Larson’s wishes to see Hamlin, a seasoned veteran and key figure in NASCAR, eventually achieve a Cup Series title before retirement—a sentiment that resonates with long-time fans and peers alike.
The Ongoing Legacy and Future Outlook
While the 2025 NASCAR finale will be remembered for its intense competition and the strategic turning point that changed the course of the championship, it also underscores how NASCAR’s rulebook and playoff structure can deliver dramatic, sometimes controversial, endings. The ongoing discussion about what it means to “deserve” a title in stock car racing reflects deeper questions around legacy, consistency, and the inherent unpredictability of the sport.
With the passion and intensity demonstrated by both Hamlin and Larson—and the endorsement of their peers and the broader community—the 2025 championship concludes on a note of respect, rivalry, and anticipation. As the new season approaches, attention will remain on Denny Hamlin’s pursuit of that elusive first title, Kyle Larson’s status as a two-time Cup winner, and the ever-evolving conversation surrounding NASCAR’s championship format and its impact on motorsports history.
