Chase Elliott’s recent talk about retirement is nothing short of nonsense. At 28, he still has plenty of racing years left, but his struggles at Hendrick Motorsports are becoming more obvious. The real problem isn’t age or motivation—it’s the team dynamic, specifically the presence of Kyle Larson. If Elliott wants to regain his dominance, a team switch is the best move.
Since Larson arrived at Hendrick in 2021, Elliott has taken a backseat. Larson has been given top-tier equipment and resources, leading to a championship in his first season with the team. Meanwhile, Elliott has struggled to replicate his 2020 success, facing inconsistent performances and frustrating setbacks. It’s clear that Hendrick is prioritizing Larson, leaving Elliott fighting for the scraps.
Elliott has the talent to be a championship contender every year, but he needs an organization that fully backs him. Look at drivers like Kyle Busch, who found renewed success after switching teams. A move to another competitive team, such as Joe Gibbs Racing or Stewart-Haas Racing, could put Elliott in a position where he’s the main focus rather than the second option.
Hendrick Motorsports may have been Elliott’s home since he entered the Cup Series, but it’s no longer the best place for his career. Sticking around while Larson dominates only hurts his chances of returning to the top. Retirement shouldn’t even be in the conversation—what Elliott needs is a fresh start with a team that builds around him.
If he makes the right move, Chase Elliott can still add more championships to his name. But as long as he remains at Hendrick with Larson in control, his future will remain uncertain.
