Christopher Bell’s command of the Phoenix raceway has NASCAR fans tipping their hats in respect. The Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver delivered an electrifying performance, capturing three consecutive victories and establishing the second-tightest finish in Phoenix racing history. The win wasn’t effortless; Bell knew he had to satisfy his fans’ expectations. His comment post-race, “JGR ran 1-2, how about that?” encapsulates his triumph.
However, not everyone was pleased with the outcome, particularly Bell’s teammate, Denny Hamlin. Hamlin’s struggle throughout the season was palpable when he lost the win by a razor-thin margin of 0.049 seconds. The intensity of his loss was captured in his radio message to his team on the final lap, “GOD DA—-! F—!!!”
Phoenix was Hamlin’s golden opportunity to clinch a race win. Starting from 10th place, Hamlin finessed his way to the top with a combination of strategic pit stops and savvy driving. He secured a second-place position during the race’s two-lap restart, sparking a thrilling three-way fight for the lead. Hamlin, in his #11 car, clung to the outside of the track while Bell boldly ventured down the inside.
Kyle Larson’s #5 car held the middle ground, slightly lagging behind the two front-runners. As they entered Turn 3, Hamlin and Bell were locked in a fierce rivalry. Hamlin momentarily seized the lead only for Bell to deliver the final, winning blow. The inside line handed Bell a dramatic last-minute victory, triggering an explosion of frustration from Hamlin.
Hamlin’s vexation wasn’t solely about the Shriners Children’s 500. It was the boiling point of a series of underwhelming performances in 2025. Hamlin’s 24th place finish at the Daytona 500 was followed by his struggle to break into the top 20 at the Circuit of the Americas. His season-best finish of 6th place at Atlanta, excluding the Phoenix race, was the last straw that led to Hamlin’s outburst.
Despite the setback, Hamlin maintained a positive outlook in his post-race interviews. “I had kind of position on the 20. I knew he was going to ship it in there. He had to use me. He could. Obviously we just kind of ran out of racetrack there,” he said. His teammate, Bell, echoed his sentiments, “It was all about who could get clear on the restart. Neither of us could. We were racing really, really hard there coming to the line.”
Regardless of the outcome, Hamlin’s determination to be the top driver at JGR is unwavering. His radio outburst revealed his competitive spirit and desire for supremacy. In a recent podcast, Hamlin stated, “I am a competitive person as you may know. There is nobody that I hate seeing win more than my teammate because I know they’re driving the same thing that I’m driving. I know every driver is like, ‘Oh, I’m so happy for my teammate winning.’ I mean, I love Christopher Bell. He’s a great dude, but I don’t want him to beat me.”
Hamlin’s candid reaction sparked a flurry of online discussions about his competitiveness and sportsmanship. Fans and analysts alike are pondering if his reaction crosses the line from healthy competition to unsportsmanlike conduct.
A section of fans empathized with Hamlin’s frustration. They lauded his sportsmanship during a heated moment, as he refrained from aggressive driving despite his disappointment. These fans recognized his commitment to fair play based on his post-race comments.
Others suggested that had it been Formula 1, team orders might have dictated a different outcome. NASCAR also has instances of team orders, but JGR generally steers clear of such directives to promote healthy competition.
Hamlin’s frustration is understandable, given the context of racing against a teammate. A fan humorously pointed out that Hamlin’s frustration might stem from being in the twilight of his career. Now 44, every missed opportunity becomes increasingly significant. The situation is further complicated by Bell, the young upstart, challenging the hierarchy at JGR. Bell’s Phoenix win makes him the first driver to claim three consecutive victories since Larson in 2021.
As we digest these reactions, the big question remains: Will Hamlin’s competitive spirit fuel his success, or will the pressure of his career stage affect his performance? Only time will tell.
