Chase Elliott has openly assessed his 2025 NASCAR season, acknowledging the challenges he faced while striving for greater consistency, especially when compared to his fellow Hendrick Motorsports drivers. The Chase Elliott 2025 NASCAR season included two race victories and a strong finish average, but still left the renowned competitor wanting more from himself and his team.
Elliott Analyzes a Return to Form Amidst Team Success
After overcoming two years marred by an injury from a snowboarding accident, Chase Elliott returned to peak racing form during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Season. He concluded the year with two wins, 11 top-five finishes, and 19 top-tens, marking a notable rise compared to previous years and finishing with an average race result of 12.61. This positioned Elliott just behind his championship-winning Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Kyle Larson, and ahead of Larson in average finish—a testament to his competitive driving and resilience.
Elliott’s personal reflection on the season was candid, especially given the high standard set by his team. Kyle Larson secured the overall title, while William Byron, another teammate, claimed the regular season championship and a place in the final four—an achievement Elliott just missed. This context further fueled Elliott’s feeling that there was still plenty of untapped potential within his own performance and the team itself.
“I think for us, it was okay at times, and really solid at times, but it just wasn’t great. We’ve had some high spots here or there but certainly not as consistently doing that as what we would like.” — Chase Elliott, via motorsport.com
Qualifying Proved a Persistent Challenge
For much of the 2025 season, the most significant hurdle for Elliott was qualifying. His qualifying average dropped from 11.1 to 16.1 positions, a development that both concerned and motivated him. Elliott emphasized that improving this aspect was a primary focus throughout the year. Despite the drop, noticeable gains were achieved towards the season’s conclusion, which gave Elliott renewed hope heading into upcoming races.
“The qualifying thing certainly has been a huge point of emphasis, throughout the course of the season. I felt like we gained on that the last couple of months. We were way more competitive in that regard.” — Chase Elliott
As qualifying positions can play a critical role in overall race outcomes, Elliott’s determination to address this particular area marks a clear roadmap for possible offseason and early 2026 adjustments. His close attention to this aspect underlines his mindset as a competitor always seeking advantages on the track, highlighted by his resilience and ambition to break into the title contention once again.
Late-Season Momentum Offers Optimism
Among the key highlights of Elliott’s year were his performances in the final stretch. Over the last six races, Elliott secured one victory and finished within the top ten on four occasions, showcasing form that reminded many fans of his best years. However, a high placement in the overall standings was derailed by a difficult race at Talladega, where he came in 40th. Despite that setback, Elliott expressed clear satisfaction with how he and his team finished the year, viewing the late momentum as evidence they could deliver under pressure.
“I feel like some of our best performances all year really came in the last month and a half or so, which was nice. It’s always fun to end the season in a good spot.” — Chase Elliott
If not for the Talladega race disappointment, Elliott might have joined his teammate William Byron in the final four showdown of the NASCAR Cup Championship. Even so, the veteran competitor remains hopeful, pointing to the renewed sense of belief and team confidence forged in the closing stages of the season.
Never Settling for Less Than Full Potential
As the Hendrick Motorsports Chevy driver evaluated the 2025 season, his words underscored the intense competitor mentality that defines his career. While he recognized the value in the standout moments from the season, Elliott admitted he remains unsatisfied—a mindset shaped by his belief in both his own capabilities and those of the No. 9 team. This unswerving ambition continues to drive Elliott’s approach and will shape his preparations for the 2026 campaign.
“There was a few high spots in there, which is always great. I think as a competitor, at least for me, I’m always looking for more. I don’t think I’m ever satisfied even on those good days. I see so much potential in our team” — Chase Elliott
Elliott’s comments reflect both his deep commitment to Hendrick Motorsports and his drive to reach the same heights as key competitors such as William Byron and Kyle Larson. For NASCAR fans, his candid assessments hint at a renewed focus that could transform his future seasons. Regardless of the past year’s mixed results, Elliott remains poised to build upon recent momentum, always striving with his team to deliver more on the NASCAR Cup circuit.
