Denny Hamlin revealed he nearly chose retirement following his loss in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, underscoring the emotional weight of his ongoing pursuit for the title. Speaking candidly about his career and future plans, Hamlin opened up on his podcast, putting the focus keyword Denny Hamlin NASCAR championship retirement at the center of his story.
Hamlin Discusses What Could Have Been After the 2025 Cup Series Finale
Denny Hamlin, who will turn 45 on November 18, admitted that had he clinched his first NASCAR Cup Series title in 2025, he would have immediately ended his racing career. This surprising admission was made during a recent episode of his podcast, Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, where he reflected on the emotional aftermath of narrowly missing the championship. Hamlin’s long search for a title remains one of NASCAR’s most compelling narratives.
Hamlin came up short in the 2025 championship, yet despite expressing disappointment after the defeat, he remains committed to returning in 2026. His contract with Joe Gibbs Racing extends through the 2027 season, ensuring more opportunities to compete at the highest level. The seasoned driver acknowledged how close he came to walking away from the sport had things gone differently, marking a critical juncture in his storied career.
“Listen, I would’ve begged Joe (Gibbs) to let me quit had I won that race,” Hamlin said. “Because it would’ve been the perfect way for me to go out.”
This quote, delivered by Hamlin himself, illustrates the depth of his feelings after losing the Cup Series—a mix of exhaustion, longing, and the desire for a fitting finale to his legacy.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Role in Shaping Hamlin’s Decision
Although Hamlin’s preference was to retire if victorious, he recognized that Joe Gibbs Racing likely wasn’t prepared to see him leave so suddenly. The organization, a powerhouse in the NASCAR world, has invested heavily in Hamlin over his career, making any transition away from his leadership both difficult and significant. Even now, conversations about his eventual retirement are ongoing, focusing on setting a date and establishing a succession plan.
“They’re not ready for that yet,” Hamlin said. “They have to have time to work on my succession plan, and we obviously set a date out now to at least come to when that is. But I would’ve certainly really, really asked him (Joe Gibbs) a big favor to let me end on that one had it gone well.”
These words—shared by Hamlin as he considered what might have happened—emphasize the tension between personal wishes and team obligations, spotlighting Joe Gibbs’ central role in the decision-making process.
Looking Ahead: Future Contention and Unfinished Business
Despite the disappointment, Hamlin will continue racing in 2026, marking the 21st season of his impressive career. While he did not specify when retirement might actually come, it’s clear that Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, and the broader NASCAR community are preparing for an eventual departure. The forthcoming seasons hold the promise of renewed title pursuits, with Hamlin expected to remain a strong contender.
His journey, rooted alongside legends like Mark Martin in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, has spanned decades of passion and commitment. The aftermath of the 2025 defeat has left a noticeable mark, but the drive to secure that elusive Cup Series title remains undiminished for Hamlin, his team, and fans.
As the 2026 season approaches, Hamlin’s legacy continues to grow, and the racing world watches closely to see if his long-held dream of NASCAR Cup Series victory—and a perfect ending—will finally be realized.
