Kyle Larson, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, has openly criticized the current one-race championship system, calling for changes to the way the title is decided. The debate over the Kyle Larson NASCAR championship format comes at a time when NASCAR officials are reportedly considering adjustments for future seasons.
Larson Calls for More Races to Determine Champion
Appearing on the Rubbin is Racing podcast on YouTube, Kyle Larson discussed his views on NASCAR’s 3-3-3-1 championship format. In this system, three rounds of three races reduce the championship field, culminating in a single race with four finalists to determine the champion. This do-or-die style has attracted criticism since its inception, with questions about whether a single race adequately captures the best performer of the season. NASCAR is reportedly reviewing the format ahead of next year’s championship.
During the interview, Larson acknowledged that no format would ever earn complete agreement from fans or drivers, but strongly argued for a multi-race championship to ensure the title reflects consistent excellence rather than one race’s outcome.
“I don’t think there’s ever a clear one hundred percent, you know, perfect format that everybody in the world is gonna agree on. But I think what we can all agree on, I think what you know, Sunday maybe proved that we need more than one race, yes, whether that is 36 or 10 or four or whatever the number is, it should be more than one because of moments like that.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
He added his hopes for a balanced resolution, stating:
“So yeah, we’ll see. I haven’t heard exactly what’s been for short format, but I think whatever it’s gonna be it’s gonna be a compromise, a good compromise to what, everybody?”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Larson’s comments have intensified the ongoing conversation among drivers, teams, and fans regarding how best to crown a champion in a sport known for its unpredictability.
Phoenix Finale and the Path to Larson’s Second Title
Kyle Larson secured his second Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway in 2025. The race took a dramatic turn when leader Denny Hamlin pitted for a full set of new tires late in the event, which allowed Larson to claim the lead and ultimately cross the finish line first. Hamlin’s pit strategy became a major talking point, affecting the outcome in a manner that critics of the current format highlight as a flaw.
Larson’s achievement with Hendrick Motorsports followed a consistent and dominant season, but the circumstances at Phoenix only reignited calls for a broader, fairer championship decision process. The single-race showdown, while thrilling, prompts concern about whether it truly rewards season-long performance.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Post-Race Exchange with Denny Hamlin
After the post-championship celebrations, Larson spoke with NASCAR and SiriusXM about his meeting with Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin. The #11 Toyota Camry XSE led much of the Phoenix race, securing pole position in qualifying and winning stage two. Despite these efforts, Hamlin’s championship hopes slipped away following the final pit stop, which provided the opening Larson needed.
Following the emotional conclusion at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin took the time to congratulate Larson. Reflecting on their exchange, Larson shared his thoughts:
“So we got to talk for a minute. Yeah, it was tough stuff. You could see the disappointment and pain in his face. Yeah, just, you know, probably a moment that I won’t an interaction I’ll never forget. You know, I still feel, I think we all do, feel bad for how it went down. But yeah, that’s why it’s been kind of awkward. Like, I’m super happy, but then there’s also part of this, like I’m equally as bummed for him and everybody else too.”
— Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
This meeting highlighted the emotional intensity that surrounds NASCAR’s season finale and the inherent drama and heartbreak of a championship decided by one event.
Larson’s 2025 Season Performance
Throughout the 2025 season, Kyle Larson amassed three victories, finished in the top ten 22 times, and achieved 15 top-five results across 36 starts. He also secured a pole position and led over 1,100 laps, maintaining an average start position just outside the top ten. Larson’s consistent excellence kept him at the forefront of the championship picture long before the Phoenix finale.
Impact and What Lies Ahead for NASCAR’s Championship
The ongoing debate about the most suitable format for crowning the NASCAR Cup Series champion shows no sign of fading. With drivers like Larson expressing passionate views about the need for multiple races to decide the title, NASCAR faces mounting pressure to deliver a solution that balances fairness, unpredictability, and entertainment.
Any future changes could significantly alter season strategies for drivers, teams such as Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, and the overall spectacle for fans around the world. As stakeholders await further news, the discussion spearheaded by the recent Phoenix heartbreak and the continued success of prominent drivers keeps the spotlight firmly on the Kyle Larson NASCAR championship format and its potential transformation.
Kyle Larson stopped by HQ yesterday!
He talked his season, Denny and of course, potential changes to the championship format. Full interview below! pic.twitter.com/osKsSWJLDJ
— Rubbin is Racing (@rubbinisracing) November 7, 2025
