Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports has experienced a difficult beginning to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, currently ranking 36th in the points standings after several disappointing finishes. His results included 40th place at Daytona, 23rd at Atlanta, and 36th at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), with last Sunday’s race cut short due to illness, forcing Myatt Snider to take over midway. Bowman’s ongoing difficulties have raised serious concerns about the performance of the No. 48 team this year.
Kevin Harvick Expresses Concern Over Bowman’s Decline
2014 Cup Champion Kevin Harvick has publicly conveyed his disappointment with Alex Bowman’s downward trajectory this season, noting that Bowman has yet to have a solid race while his Hendrick Motorsports teammates continue to perform well. Harvick pointed out the troubling signs of deterioration within the No. 48 team after a stretch of underperformance extending back over the past two years, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
“I don’t know, I mean you never want to speculate on somebody’s health or what’s happening. But it just feels like the 48 thing is just kind of unraveling right in front of us. Haven’t had a good week yet as far as performance.” Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.
Bowman’s sickness and failure to finish at COTA, a track where he had historically performed well, marks a significant setback. Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA were previously strong venues for the No. 48 car, and the recent struggles at these locations have heightened worries about the team’s direction. Harvick urged Hendrick Motorsports to take decisive action to prevent the situation from worsening throughout 2026.
“COTA was definitely one of those places where Alex Bowman hadn’t finished outside of the top 10 ever in the first five years. And really never did anything to go forward on the weekend…They’ve definitely got some things that they’ve got to work through pretty quickly or it’s going to unravel pretty quick.” Kevin Harvick added.
Alex Bowman Opens Up About His Mental Health Journey
In the days leading up to the COTA event, Alex Bowman spoke openly about the importance of raising awareness around mental health. He participated in the Ad Council’s “Love, You Mind” campaign alongside notable athletes including snowboarder Chloe Kim, National Women’s Soccer League star Macey Hodge, and Major League Soccer’s Tim Ream, emphasizing that mental health concerns are universal, affecting both competitive athletes and everyday individuals alike.
“I think mental health awareness is super important for anyone across the board. Doesn’t matter if you are a competitive athlete or a regular person.” Alex Bowman said.
Bowman also reflected on his own struggles with anxiety, explaining how managing his mental well-being is crucial to sustaining his career and personal life. He stressed the need to address mental health proactively before challenges worsen.
“Anxiety is something I’ve battled with…from my vantage point, as a driver, how I take care of myself can really determine longevity in the sport. You have to take care of your mind through a lot of that—or it gets bad pretty quick.” Alex Bowman added.
Outlook for Bowman and the No. 48 Team Moving Forward
Bowman’s openness about his mental health may provide him with the resilience needed to recover from his recent setbacks and improve his performance as the 2026 season continues. Meanwhile, the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 team faces mounting pressure to resolve their issues quickly to avoid a further downward spiral. The challenges Bowman and his crew have encountered so far make this season a pivotal moment for both the driver and the organization’s future prospects in the NASCAR Cup Series.
