Chase Elliott’s performance at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) was expected to be a statement race. Known as one of NASCAR’s best road course drivers, the Hendrick Motorsports star was seen as a favorite to take the checkered flag. However, instead of celebrating a dominant victory, Elliott found himself finishing in fourth place—a respectable result for most drivers, but not nearly good enough in the eyes of Hendrick Motorsports executive Jeff Gordon.

What followed was a reaction from Gordon that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world. The four-time Cup Series champion and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports did not hold back when addressing Elliott’s performance. His brutally honest response has now raised serious questions about Elliott’s future with the team, leaving fans and analysts wondering if the 2020 Cup Series champion is on the verge of an unexpected exit.

Chase Elliott’s Struggles Since His Championship Season

A Fall from Dominance?

When Chase Elliott won the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship, it seemed like the beginning of a long period of dominance. He was young, talented, and backed by one of the most powerful teams in the sport. His road course skills were unmatched, and many believed he would be the next driver to carry Hendrick Motorsports into a new era of success.

However, since that championship victory, Elliott’s performance has been inconsistent. While he has remained competitive, he has struggled to match the dominance of other top drivers like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and William Byron. Injuries, bad luck, and questionable race strategies have all played a role in his inability to secure another title, but some within Hendrick Motorsports are reportedly growing impatient.

The Pressure of Driving for Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports is not just any NASCAR team—it is the most successful organization in Cup Series history. With legends like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. having driven for the team, expectations are always sky-high.

Rick Hendrick has built a culture of excellence, and drivers who fail to deliver risk being replaced. While Elliott has built a massive fanbase and remains one of the sport’s most popular figures, his results in recent seasons have not lived up to the standard set by Hendrick Motorsports.

That is why his fourth-place finish at COTA was not viewed as a success but rather as another missed opportunity.

Jeff Gordon’s Harsh Words: A Warning Sign for Elliott?

Gordon’s Expectations for COTA

Heading into the COTA race, Jeff Gordon made it clear that he expected Chase Elliott to contend for the win. As someone who had dominated road courses throughout his career, Gordon understood the importance of capitalizing on Elliott’s strengths.

There was a belief that Elliott had everything he needed to secure a victory—an elite team, a strong car, and a track where he had already proven himself in the past. But as the race unfolded, it became evident that something was missing. Elliott was fast, but not fast enough. He battled hard but was unable to take the lead when it mattered most.

The Brutal Post-Race Reaction

When Elliott crossed the finish line in fourth place, the cameras quickly turned to the Hendrick Motorsports pit area. The team’s body language suggested disappointment rather than celebration. Moments later, Jeff Gordon delivered a reaction that caught everyone off guard.

Gordon, who has always been measured in his public comments, did not hide his frustration. He reportedly made it clear that fourth place was not good enough for a driver of Elliott’s caliber. While he did not directly threaten Elliott’s job, his tone suggested that patience within Hendrick Motorsports was running thin.

In an interview following the race, Gordon’s comments were blunt:

“We expected more. This is a team that races to win, not to settle for decent finishes. We had the car, we had the driver, and we didn’t get it done. That’s frustrating.”

While Gordon did not specifically call out Elliott by name, the message was clear—expectations were not met, and changes could be coming if things do not improve.

Is Chase Elliott’s future with Hendrick Motorsports at risk?

The Reality of NASCAR’s Cutthroat Business

No matter how popular a driver is, NASCAR remains a performance-driven business. If a driver is not producing the expected results, team owners and executives are not afraid to make changes.

Elliott’s contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through the next few seasons, but contracts in NASCAR are never a guarantee of long-term security. If the team believes that another driver could perform better, difficult decisions could be made.

Who Could Replace Elliott?

If Hendrick Motorsports were to move on from Chase Elliott, who would take his place? There are several rising stars in NASCAR who would jump at the opportunity to drive for Hendrick, including:

• Liam Lawson: While currently in Formula 1’s junior ranks, there have been rumors of him testing interest in NASCAR.
• Ty Gibbs: A young driver with immense talent, though currently tied to Joe Gibbs Racing.
• Noah Gragson: Once part of Hendrick’s development system, he could be a candidate for a second chance with the team.

At the same time, Hendrick Motorsports may not be looking to make an immediate change but rather to send a message to Elliott that he must perform at a higher level to maintain his position.

What Chase Elliott Must Do to Secure His Future

Winning Is the Only Answer

For Elliott, the solution to this growing tension is simple—he needs to win. NASCAR is a sport where results speak louder than anything else. If he can get back to victory lane and prove that he is still one of the best drivers in the field, much of the criticism will fade away.

His best chance to do that will likely come at upcoming road course events, where he has historically been strongest. However, he must also show improvement on ovals, where he has struggled to find the same level of dominance.

Building a Stronger Relationship with Gordon and Hendrick Leadership

Beyond winning races, Elliott must ensure that he remains in good standing with Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick. NASCAR history is filled with stories of talented drivers who lost their rides due to strained relationships with team leadership.

Elliott has always been known for his calm and collected demeanor, but he must now balance that with a sense of urgency. He must prove to Gordon and the rest of Hendrick Motorsports that he is still their best option moving forward.

The Future Remains Uncertain

Chase Elliott’s fourth-place finish at COTA was not disastrous, but in the eyes of Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports, it was far from acceptable. The brutal reaction from Gordon has raised serious questions about Elliott’s future, sparking speculation about what comes next.

Will Elliott bounce back and reassert himself as Hendrick’s top driver? Or will this season mark the beginning of the end for his time with the team?

One thing is certain—every move Elliott makes from this point forward will be under intense scrutiny. If he cannot deliver wins soon, the rumors of a potential shakeup will only continue to grow.