Denny Hamlin Cup title hopes came to a dramatic end during the Phoenix finale, as Joe Gibbs Racing’s experienced driver saw his championship chances disappear following a late-race incident and restart that allowed Kyle Larson to secure victory. The season decider at Phoenix turned on a tire failure for William Byron, which altered the race’s momentum and ultimately crowned Larson as the Cup Series champion.
How Phoenix Changed the Championship Battle
Denny Hamlin entered the Phoenix championship race in strong form, controlling much of the action and making strategic decisions with his Joe Gibbs Racing team. However, during a tense late phase, an abrupt turn altered his prospects. William Byron’s tire failure caused his car to crash into the barrier, triggering a caution flag that bunched the field for a crucial restart.
This setback placed Hamlin under immediate pressure as the dynamics of the race shifted, especially for those in contention for the Cup. The restart that followed allowed Kyle Larson to capitalize, leaving Hamlin unable to recover the ground he lost. Larson’s tactical execution under pressure distinguished him from the field and brought him his second Cup title.
Strategy Decisions Define the Outcome
Throughout the Phoenix contest, Hamlin and Larson opted for contrasting approaches in their pursuit of the championship. Hamlin’s team selected a four-tire change at the final pit stop, aiming for maximum grip and performance. Meanwhile, Larson’s crew chose a quicker two-tire strategy, prioritizing track position in the crucial moments.
The difference in tire strategies resulted in Hamlin losing valuable seconds during the pit sequence, meaning he was unable to catch up with Larson following the restart. That decision, while calculated, ultimately cost Hamlin the close battle for the season’s most important victory. As the laps dwindled, Larson surged ahead, while Hamlin could only look on as the title slipped away.
Reactions from the Drivers and the NASCAR Community
Despite his bitter disappointment, Denny Hamlin expressed admiration for Larson’s achievement, dismissing criticism levied at the championship format and emphasizing that the best driver prevailed. While debate swirled among fans and analysts about the playoff system, Hamlin chose to focus on his rival’s performance and consistency throughout the season.
“He (Larson) did nothing wrong. His team knew that they had to do something to try to win, that you know they played the game as it was meant to be played. So, we definitely have a deserving champion in the five team. And they scored more points than anyone else the entire year. There’s, you know, I don’t think anyone should ever question the deservingness of Kyle Larson’s championship.”
– Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
During the 2025 NASCAR awards ceremony, Kyle Larson spoke graciously about his longtime competitor. He highlighted Hamlin’s relentless work ethic and his ability to push the standards of professional driving, winning the admiration of everyone in the Cup Series and cementing his place as a top competitor in the sport.
Looking Ahead for Hamlin and the Cup Series
This missed opportunity was particularly poignant for Hamlin, as it would have been a significant achievement in his storied career and held personal significance regarding his family. Despite the setback, Hamlin’s respect for Larson demonstrated sportsmanship and an understanding of the unpredictable nature of racing at this elite level.
The 2025 conclusion at Phoenix underscores how quickly the dynamics of championship racing can change and spotlights just how decisive strategy and circumstance are in determining a Cup champion. As the NASCAR season moves forward, contenders like Hamlin will inevitably seek to learn from such moments, while Larson’s victory stands as a testament to his skill and determination under enormous pressure.
