'Driver better than Verstappen' gets crowned champion in 2025

The driver, who made the headlines the previous year after saying he is a better all-around driver than Max Verstappen, has secured his second Cup Series title.

In the championship four, the American defeated Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe and William Byron at the Phoenix Raceway. The first one to cross the finish line was going to take home the title.

Larson’s chances appeared to go out the window after suffering a puncture with around 100 laps to go while running eighth. The same fate struck Briscoe a lap later, with both drivers dropping down the order.

Hamlin led the most laps in the final, and took the lead again with 30 laps to go after the restart. However, a late puncture with four laps to go on Byron's car led to overtime.

Larson took only two new tyres, while Hamlin opted for four. After the restart, Larson moved up to fifth, while Hamlin, still chasing his first title after a long career, was in P10.

The #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet crossed the finish line in third, while Hamlin could manage only sixth on his four new tyres — handing the 2025 title to Larson.

He also became the first driver to win the title in the current format without leading the race during a single lap.

Verstappen’s chase of the two McLaren drivers continues this weekend at Interlagos, with 33 points up for grabs.

Verstappen is now closer than he was after the weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, as he currently trails Lando Norris by 36 points.

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