Harvick Questions Bowman's Hendrick Future After Bristol Struggles

NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick weighs in on Alex Bowman's performance issues and the pressure to win races at Hendrick Motorsports.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angle view of a NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, with sharp planes of color representing the high-intensity action on the track.Bowman's Bristol struggles expose the performance pressure he faces at Hendrick Motorsports to secure his future with the team.Bristol Today

After missing four races due to vertigo, Alex Bowman returned to the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway, but his struggles continued as he finished last in the field following an early crash. NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick addressed Bowman's performance, noting the driver must improve results to keep his job at powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports.

Why it matters

Bowman has been part of the Hendrick Motorsports stable since 2018, but his results have not matched those of his high-performing teammates Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron. As Hendrick expects its drivers to win races, Bowman faces increasing pressure to deliver strong finishes and secure his future with the team.

The details

Bowman started 27th at Bristol and was unable to make progress, ultimately crashing out of the race early. Harvick acknowledged the physical challenges of returning to the demanding Bristol track, but said the focus must now shift to improving the No. 48 team's performance and getting the car 'solidly in the top 10' on a consistent basis.

  • Bowman missed four races due to vertigo prior to the Bristol event.
  • The Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway took place on April 16, 2026.

The players

Kevin Harvick

A veteran NASCAR driver and host of the 'Happy Hour' show, where he discussed Bowman's performance issues.

Alex Bowman

The Hendrick Motorsports driver who struggled in his return to the Cup Series at Bristol, finishing last in the field after an early crash.

Hendrick Motorsports

The powerhouse NASCAR team that fields cars for Bowman, as well as high-performing drivers Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's great to have Alex Bowman back in the car. You couldn't ask for a tougher racetrack to come back to than Bristol with all the G's and all the heat. It was hot this weekend. Typically not that warm in the spring race at Bristol.”

— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver and TV Personality

“It's good to see him back in the car, but now we're back to analyzing the 48's performance, and it wasn't good. Throughout the weekend, they didn't really have any speed and wound up in an accident.”

— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver and TV Personality

“Now, they got to concentrate on we've got the driver's health back where it needs to be. Now, what do we got to do to get this car back to where it needs to be, solidly in the top 10? That'll be the next tall task that they have to figure out.”

— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver and TV Personality

“If you're going to keep your job, you're going to have to win.”

— Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver and TV Personality

What’s next

The Hendrick Motorsports team must work to improve the performance of Bowman's No. 48 car and help him consistently finish in the top 10 to secure his future with the organization.

The takeaway

Bowman's struggles at Bristol have raised questions about his long-term future at Hendrick Motorsports, where the expectation is to win races and compete for championships. As his teammates continue to excel, Bowman faces increasing pressure to deliver strong results and prove he deserves to keep his coveted seat.