Bubba Wallace Questions Influence at 23XI Racing, Hints at Hendrick Move

Huntersville, NC – On June 1, 2025, NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace sent shockwaves through the racing world with a candid interview on The Breakfast Club, where he voiced concerns about his influence at 23XI Racing. The No. 23 Toyota driver, a cornerstone of the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, expressed frustration but affirmed his commitment—for now. “I’m sticking with 23XI, but if we don’t step up, I’m out,” Wallace said. “Let’s see who can be better than me.” He hinted at a potential move to Hendrick Motorsports, sparking speculation about his future as the 2025 season intensifies.

Wallace’s comments come amid a solid but winless 2025 campaign. Sitting eighth in points, he’s notched two top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a third-place run at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he led 56 laps, per NASCAR.com. His Duel 1 win at Daytona in February showcased his potential, but teammate Tyler Reddick’s Championship 4 appearance in 2024 has set a high bar. Wallace praised the team’s culture, crediting Jordan’s mental investment for boosting morale, yet he hinted at feeling sidelined in strategic decisions.

“I love this team, but I need to know my voice matters,” Wallace said, referencing 23XI’s resource constraints, like the struggle to field a fourth car at Kansas Speedway. The team’s legal battle with NASCAR over charter agreements, joined by Front Row Motorsports, adds uncertainty, with NASCAR’s countersuit calling 23XI’s actions an “illegal cartel.” Wallace’s December 2024 demand for clarity on 23XI’s 2025 plans, noted in a U.S. District Court filing, underscores his restlessness.

Hendrick Motorsports, with all four drivers in the top five of 2025 standings, is an enticing destination. Wallace’s mention of Hendrick, home to Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman, isn’t random—his recent on-track incident with Larson at Darlington, where Wallace unintentionally spun Larson after a chain reaction, highlighted their competitive overlap. Hendrick’s resources and “perfection” ethos, as Jeff Gordon described, contrast with 23XI’s growing pains. A move would be seismic, given Wallace’s history with 23XI since its 2021 debut and his eight career wins, including two in the Cup Series.

Wallace’s influence concerns may stem from 23XI’s evolving dynamics. The addition of development driver Corey Heim, who piloted the No. 67 Toyota at Kansas, signals expansion, but Wallace called the effort “cumbersome.” New crew chief Charles Denike has sparked a fast start, yet Wallace’s radio prank at Homestead—faking a tire issue—hints at tension beneath his positivity. Posts on X reflect fan unease, with some calling 23XI’s season a “dramatic downfall” risking playoff disaster.

Despite the drama, Wallace’s marketability remains strong. A new sponsorship with Robinhood, featuring a neon paint scheme, boosts his profile, and his B-2 Stealth Bomber-inspired car for Las Vegas has fans raving. Off the track, fatherhood has shifted his priorities, as he told CBS Mornings, balancing racing with family life. His bond with Jordan, who fuels 23XI’s confidence, adds complexity to any exit talk.

As the Cup Series heads to Kansas, Wallace’s performance will be scrutinized. Can he outshine Reddick, fourth in points, and silence doubters? A win could solidify his leverage at 23XI or make him a hotter commodity for Hendrick, whose Spire Motorsports ties signal openness to young talent like Corey Day. For now, Wallace’s challenge is clear: prove he’s indispensable. “I’m here to race and win,” he said. “Let’s see who’s got more.”