Denny Hamlin expressed surprise over Shane van Gisbergen's overtime error at Watkins Glen, emphasizing the psychological pressures drivers face.
Hamlin highlighted SVG's misstep in the 'esses' section, which allowed Chris Buescher to take the lead and win.
Hamlin stressed the need for mental fortitude on demanding layouts like Watkins Glen to avoid mistakes under pressure.
Hamlin urged SVG to reflect on the incident as a learning opportunity, improving decision-making in future races.
SVG's mistake underscores how small errors can shift the outcome of a race, benefiting Buescher's victory.
The unexpected nature of SVG's error shocked the NASCAR garage, leaving analysts questioning his adaptability in high-pressure moments.
Buescher's victory came from maintaining pressure on SVG, forcing him into mistakes, revealing the psychological battle in racing.
To navigate the playoffs successfully, Hamlin must adapt his race strategies and address performance issues, especially after a conservative Atlanta strategy.
Despite the mistake, SVG is seen as a promising driver in NASCAR, with plans to compete full-time next year.
Hamlin emphasized that SVG's error serves as a reminder of the mental strain in racing, crucial for future success.