In a move that has stunned the motorsports world, Chase Elliott announced today that he is leaving Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. The unexpected departure ends a decade-long partnership between the 2020 Cup Series champion and one of NASCAR’s most iconic teams — a relationship many believed would last his entire career.

Elliott made the announcement via a personal statement posted to his social media accounts, saying, “After much thought and reflection, I have decided that the 2025 season will be my final one driving for Hendrick Motorsports. This team has given me everything — my start, my championship, my family in the garage. But I believe it’s time for a new chapter.”

A Shocking Turn

The news comes as a shock not only to fans but to many within the industry. Elliott, 29, has been the face of Hendrick Motorsports since the retirement of Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. He has carried the legendary No. 9 car since replacing Jeff Gordon in 2016, a number with deep personal meaning — his father, Bill Elliott, drove it during his Hall of Fame career.

Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed mixed emotions in a statement released shortly after Elliott’s announcement.

“Chase is like family to us. We’ve shared incredible moments — his first win, his championship, and many memories off the track,” Hendrick said. “While we’re disappointed to see him go, we support his decision and are grateful for everything he’s brought to this organization. He’ll always be a part of the Hendrick Motorsports legacy.”

A Storied Run with Hendrick

During his tenure with Hendrick Motorsports, Elliott amassed 21 Cup Series wins (as of mid-2025), including memorable victories at road courses like Watkins Glen and the Daytona Road Course, where he established himself as one of the sport’s premier road racers. His 2020 championship run further cemented his status as NASCAR’s next-generation superstar.

In addition to his on-track success, Elliott’s clean-cut image, Georgia roots, and fan-friendly demeanor earned him NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver award for six consecutive years — a title once held by his father. His departure leaves a gaping hole not only in Hendrick’s lineup but in the NASCAR landscape as a whole.

What’s Next for Chase?

As of now, Elliott has not announced his next destination. Rumors have begun swirling that he could be headed to a new team — possibly a startup or a Toyota-affiliated organization — or even exploring opportunities outside of NASCAR altogether, such as IndyCar or sports car racing.

When asked about his plans during a brief media availability after the announcement, Elliott kept things vague.

“I don’t have anything to share yet,” he said. “This decision wasn’t about running away from something — it’s about pursuing something that excites me, challenges me. When the time’s right, we’ll talk about what’s next.”

What It Means for Hendrick Motorsports

Elliott’s exit leaves Hendrick Motorsports with a significant challenge: filling the No. 9 seat, which has become one of the most recognizable rides in NASCAR. While the team boasts a deep talent pool with drivers like Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman, the leadership and brand value Elliott brought to the organization will be difficult to replace.

Speculation has already begun about who might replace him. Among the names circulating are Xfinity Series standout Sam Mayer, Truck Series champion Zane Smith, and even veterans like Martin Truex Jr., should he choose to continue racing in 2026.

Fan Reaction and NASCAR’s Future

Social media exploded with reactions from fans and fellow drivers alike. Denny Hamlin tweeted, “Didn’t see that one coming. Respect the move.” Bubba Wallace wrote, “Big respect to Chase. Doing things on your own terms takes guts.”

NASCAR, which has relied on Elliott as a cornerstone of its marketing and youth outreach, may need to recalibrate its strategy. With young stars like Ty Gibbs, Corey Heim, and Carson Hocevar rising, the sport is in the midst of a generational shift — but Elliott’s departure feels like the end of an era.

A Bold Move in a Risky Sport

In a sport where legacy and loyalty often intertwine, Chase Elliott’s departure from Hendrick Motorsports is more than a personnel change — it’s a seismic shift. Whether this move becomes a career-defining risk or the beginning of a new golden chapter remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: Chase Elliott is writing his own story — and the entire NASCAR world will be watching closely to see what the next chapter holds.