Last weeked in Mexico City, Chase Elliott finished P3 in the Cup Series’ inaugural points-paying race outside the U.S. Owing to the same, he made NASCAR history by becoming a part of the first-ever Olympic-style podium ceremony celebrated in the sport.

Race winner Shane van Gisbergen and first runner-up Christopher Bell took the other two steps on the podium, making for a historic photo. However, while numerous drivers, NASCAR media, and fans applauded the podium celebration, Elliott was less than overjoyed with the ceremony.

Chase Elliott Makes His Feelings Known on a Podium-Style Celebration in NASCAR

F1, one of NASCAR’s direct rivals, has always had a podium-style celebration following each of its races to honor the top three finishers. And with the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez being one of F1’s regular stops for the last decade, the authorities deemed it fit to have a similar celebration for NASCAR’s first-ever race at the venue.

However, Elliott did not make much of the ceremony, opting for a rather neutral stance. Speaking to the NASCAR media during the Pocono race weekend, the No. 9 driver claimed, “I am not really for it or against it. I am fine with it.”

He added, “I have no problem in giving Shane (van Gisbergen) his congratulations and making sure he is celebrated properly. He won the race, and he deserved the right to that.”

Addressing himself as the “second loser” of the race, he claimed that he had no problem in making sure that he appreciated the job Gisbergen did in Mexico City.

When asked about what his reaction would have been if he had won the race, Elliott admitted that he would have rather enjoyed the celebrations. However, podiums are not the norm in NASCAR, and the Hendrick Motorsports driver is “okay with doing it (and) I am okay with not doing it.”

After finishing third in Mexico City and getting recognized on the podium, @chaseelliott was asked at @PoconoRaceway what he thinks about the potential for podiums being a part of future @NASCAR races. pic.twitter.com/tM5RJ5rFm4

— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) June 21, 2025

Keeping the NASCAR traditions in mind, Elliott feels comfortable with the modern era of the sport starting a new one. He claimed that NASCAR is its own form of Motorsports and its drivers can stand on their “own two feet” without needing to copy traditions from other sports.

Hence, as long as NASCAR isn’t doing things to be like everyone else, he doesn’t mind the practice. However, if that is the case, Elliott doesn’t mind walking away from the practice.

Meanwhile, Kyle Larson is completely on board for a podium celebration in NASCAR, but with a catch. Speaking during his media availability in Pocono on Saturday, the No. 5 HMS driver claimed he wouldn’t mind seeing the celebrations become a regular part of the crown jewel events.

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Hailing from a dirt racing background, Larson recalled that the top three finishers line up on the frontstretch to give interviews after every race and a podium celebration isn’t much different.