Alex Bowman, a key figure at Hendrick Motorsports, has spoken openly about the challenges he faces with mental wellness as he prepares for another demanding NASCAR season. Following a difficult 2025 campaign in which Bowman did not secure a win—while teammates like Kyle Larson contended for the championship—he has highlighted the crucial role of mental health in ensuring sustained success in professional racing, aligning with the growing conversation around Alex Bowman mental health NASCAR issues.
Facing Tough Odds After a Winless Season
Bowman’s 2025 season ended without a win, a stark contrast to the successes of his fellow drivers at Hendrick Motorsports, such as Kyle Larson who clinched the championship. This outcome has intensified the pressure on Bowman as he approaches 2026, leaving his position uncertain and his need to perform greater than ever before. The spotlight and expectations have made his mental resilience instrumental in shaping his upcoming journey in NASCAR.
Track Preferences and Competitive Landscape
Discussing his racing preferences in a recent interview with Forbs, Bowman expressed excitement about road courses, although his record shows just a single win in 37 appearances on these tracks. The growing dominance of Shane van Gisbergen in road course events has limited Bowman’s prospects. Bowman shared,
“Getting to see so many parts of the country, I think, is good for us. Selfishly, I like the places where I’m good at. There are some places I really get excited to visit. I love road course racing.” – Alex Bowman, Driver
The veteran also reflected on the difficulty of superspeedway races like Talladega and Daytona. While Bowman performs strongly in qualifying at these venues, race day often brings unpredictable incidents, usually not of his own making, that hamper his chances of winning. He admitted his lack of enthusiasm for these high-stakes races, saying,
“We won Chicago last year and had some really good runs on road courses, so I enjoy that. Then again, I look at superspeedway racing, and sometimes I’m not so enthusiastic about racing Daytona and Talladega.” – Alex Bowman, Driver
The Vital Role of Mental Health in Sustaining a NASCAR Career
Amid the competitive pressures and uncertainty heading into a new season, Bowman underscored the value of mental well-being for both athletes and the broader community in his Forbs interview. With only a handful of drivers fighting for their seats, Bowman must prove himself under intense scrutiny. He emphasized the universal significance of maintaining mental wellness, stating,
“I think mental health awareness is super important for anyone across the board. Doesn’t matter if you are a competitive athlete or a regular person.” – Alex Bowman, Driver
Bowman also elaborated on the long-term demands of a NASCAR career, noting that the sport’s physical intensity is matched by mental challenges, and both aspects need to be actively managed to succeed. He cautioned that neglecting mental health can quickly lead to difficulties, explaining,
“We all know that racing as a sport can ebb and flow. From my vantage point, as a driver, how I take care of myself can really determine longevity in the sport. You have to take care of your mind through a lot of that—or it gets bad pretty quick.” – Alex Bowman, Driver
His words emphasize the reality faced by drivers and athletes across sports: physical fitness alone is insufficient without solid mental health, especially in a high-pressure environment like NASCAR.
Looking Ahead as Pressures Intensify
Bowman’s candid reflections arrive at a time of mounting tension within the team. As he enters the 2026 season, he faces the dual task of competing against peers such as Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Larson, while also confronting the personal hurdles tied to high expectations. His openness about struggles with mental health not only sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of competitive motorsports but may also inspire broader conversations within the racing community and beyond.
The coming NASCAR season will not only test Bowman’s athletic performance but will also determine how effectively he can prioritize his mental well-being under heavy scrutiny. The impact of his focus on mental health will be closely watched by fellow drivers, fans, and organizations like Hendrick Motorsports as the season unfolds. Bowman’s journey stands as a testament to the vital intersection of personal resilience and professional competition in today’s high-octane racing world.
