Kyle Larson, widely regarded as one of the most exciting drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series, has experienced a notable decline in form following the recent Indy 500. Despite being a top contender and ranking third in overall Cup standings, Larson’s performance slump since the crash at Indianapolis has drawn criticism, including from NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick. This slump, often referred to as the Kyle Larson performance slump Indy500, has raised questions about his and Hendrick Motorsports’ prospects for the rest of the season.
Larson started the 2025 season solidly, maintaining strong results that kept him near the top of the leaderboard. Nonetheless, he has struggled to secure wins, with his last victory recorded at Kansas. This season, Larson ambitiously attempted the demanding ‘Double Duty,’ competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Unfortunately, his weekend at Indianapolis ended with a crash, and his race at the Coca-Cola 600 quickly unraveled when he spun out while leading.
In the races that followed, Larson’s difficulties only intensified, placing him on the back foot as competitors gained momentum. Maintaining pace with rivals has proven difficult, and the situation has put additional pressure on Larson navigating the remainder of the campaign.
Kevin Harvick Highlights Impact of Indy 500 Crash on Larson and Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick pinpointed the disastrous Indy 500 weekend as the turning point for Larson’s downturn. Speaking on the Happy Hour podcast, Harvick observed that Larson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates have not matched their early-season sharpness since that event, extending their struggles into the All-Star Race and beyond. Harvick also noted that this slump is not isolated to Larson but reflects on the entire Hendrick Motorsports team, including William Byron’s recent underwhelming results.
“Larson’s been off since the whole Indy stuff started to happen, you know. I really think that, at the All-Star race and that weekend forward, those guys haven’t been as sharp as they were at the beginning of the year.”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR veteran
Challenging Shane van Gisbergen’s Momentum Ahead of Sonoma Race
Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen, the former V8 Supercars champion from New Zealand, has emerged as a formidable opponent in the NASCAR Cup Series. After transitioning to NASCAR full-time, van Gisbergen has quickly cemented his place in the Playoffs and continues to impress with recent strong finishes in both Xfinity and Cup races. Kevin Harvick views van Gisbergen as the favorite for the upcoming Sonoma race, yet Kyle Larson is prepared to fight hard, especially as Sonoma represents his home track.
The Sonoma Raceway has historically been a strong venue for Larson’s team, and he remains hopeful for another powerful performance. However, Larson expressed concerns about the July race conditions potentially challenging the drivers. Higher temperatures combined with slicker pavement could add an extra layer of difficulty, but Larson welcomes the presence of friends and family supporting him at the track.
“We have dominated there in the past—hopefully, we’ll be just as good… It will feel hotter in Sonoma with the race being in July. The pavement will be a little bit slicker. I love having friends and family at the track, especially the friends that don’t typically get to go to the track.”
—Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports driver
Pressure Mounts for Larson to Rebound at Home Track
Larson faces urgent pressure to turn around his fortunes, and there is no better opportunity than a strong run on familiar ground at Sonoma. However, regaining confidence and momentum after weeks of disappointing results is a significant challenge. Both fans and team members will be keenly watching to see if Larson can silence critics by delivering a competitive and consistent performance this weekend.
With the rest of the season still unfolding, Larson’s ability to overcome this performance slump will be critical to his championship aspirations and Hendrick Motorsports’ overall success. The upcoming races will reveal whether Larson can reclaim his status as one of the sport’s elite or if rival drivers like Shane van Gisbergen will continue to gain ground.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kyle Larson better than Verstappen?
A. Larson might not outperform Verstappen in Formula 1, but he’s the most adaptable driver worldwide. Bianchi believes Larson is top-rated due to his diverse experience. He achieves victories in many different kinds of vehicles.
