Hamlin falls short again as Larson takes NASCAR title

Denny Hamlin finished the NASCAR Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway without the championship, ceding the title to Kyle Larson. It was the second consecutive year Hamlin has been beaten to the crown in the finale.

Hamlin was described as having held his head high despite the result, a contrast to his mood after the previous year's finale, when he was shell-shocked by a similar outcome.

Larson's win confirmed his championship at the close of the 2026 season.