Denny Hamlin “Would’ve Begged Joe Gibbs” to Let Him Retire if He Had Won 2025 Championship
Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has shared his feelings about the retirement rumors and 2025 championship loss.
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Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin experience in the 2025 NASCAR season finale showed how cruel the playoffs format can be. He came into the Phoenix finale as the sentimental favorite, with the most momentum, being the dominate racer of the season with six wins, that include an historic 60th carer win.
Denny Hamlin dominated the finale, leading over 300+ laps before a caution just four laps left in the race send the event to overtime. The No:11 team’s decision to pit for four fresh tires, instead of two like his rivals, backfired and Kyle Larson took advantage of the situation to finish as the best Championship-4 title to win the title without even not leading a single lap in the race.
After the heartbreaking loss, Denny Hamlin commented that he feels like not arcing ever again and that started retirement rumors. He has now finally responded to these claims in the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast and asserted that he will race for JGR in 2026. The veteran admitted that he would most probably has retired if he had won the championship and added that coach is not ready to replace him yet.
Yeah, I mean, listen, I would have begged Joe to let me quit had I won that race. I would have. I would have, just because it would have been the perfect way for me to go out. But I, they’re not ready for that yet.
Denny Hamlin said via Actions Detrimental.
The No:11 needs to work extra hard to find the right replacement for one of the most loyal and accomplished drivers ever. At the moment they have date set for potential retirement and is ready to have discussions around the No:11 team’s succession plans. He reiterated that, if everything had gone right he would’ve been an ex-NASCAR racer.
They have to have time to work on my succession plan, and obviously, we set a date out now to at least, you know, come to when that is. We know what’s the lifeline left. But I would have certainly really, really asked him to let me end on that one had it gone well.
Denny Hamlin added.
Denny Hamlin makes blunt admission about playoffs format
In the same conversation, the co-host of the show asked the three times Daytona 500 champion that the potential of NASCAR changing the playoffs format to full-season points, will make him change his mind. The sport is reportedly set to change the system starting from the 2026 season.
Hamlin admitted that it will not have any weight on his disappointment he is feelings right now. He then bluntly asserted that the fans shouldn’t have high hopes about the new format as it’s going to be a different version of the playoffs.
Very. Very. It doesn’t make me want to race right now in this moment anymore. They could say 36 races, which they’re not. Get over it, you’re going to get playoffs. But it’s still, the offseason is still so fresh, I want nothing to do with racing right now. I’ve got to get some more time.
Denny Hamlin said.
At the moment, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin is focussed on the offseason. Spending time with his family, his friends, having a long overdue vacation, while also working on the controversial charter lawsuit. But with enough time, he will get back to a good mindset and go back to winning races for Toyota yet again.
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