All but one Hendrick Motorsports driver have signed contracts extending beyond the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season after Kyle Larson agreed to a new deal securing him in the No. 5 Chevrolet through 2031. Chase Elliott also has a contract running through 2027, and William Byron is committed through 2029, following his four-year extension signed in May 2025.
Alex Bowman Remains the Only Hendrick Driver Without a Long-Term Deal
Alex Bowman is the sole Hendrick Motorsports driver without a contract extending past the 2026 season. His current agreement, covering the No. 48 Chevrolet, expires at the end of 2026, despite primary sponsor Ally Financial already being locked in through 2028. As a result, Bowman is set to enter a contract year where his performance will be closely evaluated.
This upcoming season represents a critical phase for Bowman, who is widely seen as the least accomplished driver among Hendrick’s four-car lineup. Since March 2022, Bowman has only secured one race win, while his teammates collectively recorded multiple victories in 2025. This disparity could prompt Hendrick Motorsports to explore a potential driver change for the first time in six years, although any decision likely depends on Bowman’s results throughout the 2026 season and the team’s appetite for upgrading the lineup.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Last Driver Lineup Change and Team History
The last shift in the Hendrick driver roster occurred when Jimmie Johnson retired from full-time racing following the 2020 season. Bowman, who began racing for Hendrick in 2018 alongside William Byron, moved from the No. 88 Chevrolet to inherit Johnson’s iconic No. 48 car. At the same time, Hendrick retired the No. 88 and revived the No. 5 Chevrolet for Kyle Larson as his designated ride. Chase Elliott, the team’s longest-tenured driver, has competed full-time since 2016 and drives the No. 9 Chevrolet.
Notable past lineup changes include Elliott’s shift from the No. 24 to No. 9 car after the 2017 season, while Byron took over the No. 24 after replacing Kasey Kahne. The No. 5 Chevrolet was shelved briefly before Larson’s arrival in 2021 restored its presence at Hendrick Motorsports.
Uncertainty Around the No. 48 Driver Position Beyond 2026
With Kyle Larson’s new contract securing his future through 2031 and other drivers committed for coming years, the key question facing Hendrick Motorsports is the identity of the driver who will race the No. 48 Chevrolet in 2027. As the 2026 season approaches, eyes will be on Alex Bowman’s performance to determine whether he retains the seat or if Hendrick Motorsports decides to pursue a change after several years of roster stability.
