Jeff Gordon Reacts to Chase Elliott’s Struggles in 2025 Season
As one of NASCAR’s most successful and respected drivers, Jeff Gordon’s opinion carries significant weight within the motorsport community. So when he recently spoke out about Chase Elliott’s struggles during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, his comments garnered attention from both fans and pundits alike. Gordon, who is now a commentator and team owner, acknowledged Elliott’s difficulties but also expressed his belief in the young driver’s ability to overcome the challenges he faces this season.
Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been experiencing an uncharacteristically rough start to 2025. After several seasons of dominance and consistency, the 28-year-old driver has been facing a series of setbacks, including mechanical issues, pit road missteps, and struggles with car setup, leaving many to question whether the Hendrick Motorsports star is losing his edge. As the first driver in the sport’s history to win the Most Popular Driver Award multiple times, Elliott’s difficulties have been a topic of concern among his fanbase.
Speaking during a recent broadcast, Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion, shared his perspective on Elliott’s tough season. “Chase is a driver who has proven himself time and time again, and it’s important to remember that every driver has peaks and valleys in their career,” Gordon said. “What we’re seeing this year might be frustrating for Chase and his fans, but it’s not the end of the world. He’s shown he has the skill and the mental toughness to bounce back from tough situations.”
Gordon went on to emphasize that Elliott’s struggles could be attributed to several factors beyond the driver’s control. “It’s a tough sport. Even the best drivers in the world hit slumps. Sometimes it’s the car setup, sometimes it’s just the way the season is shaping up. But Chase has the experience and support system to turn things around. He’s got a great team behind him, and Hendrick Motorsports has always been a force in this sport,” Gordon explained.
Elliott’s struggles have been magnified by the fierce competition in the Cup Series, where even the smallest mistake can have big consequences. Many of his issues in 2025 stem from a combination of car performance and adjustments to the evolving nature of the series, including changes in aerodynamics and tire specifications. Gordon noted that adapting to these changes can take time, and it’s not unusual for even the most talented drivers to go through periods of adjustment.
“I’ve been there,” Gordon admitted. “It can be incredibly frustrating when you know you have the ability to win, but things just don’t fall into place. But the key is to stay focused and trust the process. Chase is going to find his way out of this. We’ve seen it before with other drivers, and Chase is no different.”
Despite the challenges, Gordon remains confident that Elliott will emerge stronger in the long run. He pointed to Elliott’s history of resilience and determination, noting that the driver has faced adversity before and has always managed to rise to the occasion. “I truly believe that this rough patch will only make him stronger. Chase has a winner’s mentality, and he’s got the right people around him. He’ll bounce back, and when he does, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back at the front, competing for wins.”
While Elliott’s struggles in the 2025 season have been disheartening for many of his supporters, Gordon’s comments serve as a reminder that success in NASCAR is not always linear. Even the greatest drivers face difficult seasons, but their ability to rebound is what ultimately defines their legacies. As the season continues, it will be interesting to see how Elliott handles these challenges and whether Gordon’s belief in his resilience proves to be prophetic.
