Who is the best driver in the Cup Series currently? This question will probably get a different answer each time it is posed. However, the most objective answer would be Christopher Bell. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been at the top of the game consistently for the last three years, and the world is finally beginning to recognize his value.
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Bell was a part of the Championship 4 in 2022 and 2023. He missed out in 2024 but was still one of the best drivers throughout the season. Consistency has been his hallmark.
Following his victory in Atlanta on February 23, Bell became the only driver in the Next Gen era to win on six different track types, ranging from dirt to intermediate to superspeedway. Ten wins in six different circuit types is not a record that can be overlooked.
And, as the spotlight was placed on this achievement, fans were quick to shower praises on Bell. “It’s hard to imagine how he can be slept on, but he’s the most underrated driver in Cup IMO,” wrote one fan. And this was a collective thought of many.
Another fan put forward a highly debatable statement: “Maybe he’s what everybody thinks [Kyle] Larson is…”
Larson is widely regarded as the best driver of the current generation. The reason he is held in such high stature is that he is capable of winning races in multiple disciplines. The predominant feeling now is that Bell is also more than capable of doing that.
Christopher “Babyface Killar” Bell…. Could be his year !
— El Kirkador (@TheStoneMatador) March 3, 2025
A fan reiterated this notion, commenting: “One of the best all-around drivers. Can win on any track.”
If Bell can do everything that Larson does, why can’t he be celebrated as the best? Winning a championship is obviously the missing piece in the puzzle.
What do Bell’s competitors think of his racing caliber?
Much before fans started acknowledging his potential, Chase Elliott had noted the good work Bell had been putting in. “Extremely underrated and probably isn’t appreciated or talked about enough for performing at a high level. He does an exceptional job,” said the 2020 champion, who is a huge admirer of Bell’s understanding of his No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE.
Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney knows what Bell is capable of as well. “Christopher is honestly very underrated. I think he’s finally starting to get some more recognition, like, ‘Hey, this guy is really good’. He’s incredibly smooth. You never see him out of control,” said Blaney.
The most pleasing of praises came from Bell’s biggest rival, Larson. The Hendrick Motorsports driver said, “Bell is extremely good, and he’s just so quiet that people don’t recognize how good he is. He’s so smooth. He never makes mistakes. He just looks so calm in the car.”
Larson has always put himself in a lesser light when it comes to giving Bell credit. This illustrates Kyle’s approach of not letting ego take over, and also Bell’s indisputable skill.
