Kyle Larson didnt need long to sum up what Alex Bowman has meant to Hendrick Motorsports.Less than 24 hours after Bowman announced he will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition following the 2027 season, Larson was asked about the news during Fridays media availability at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Rather than focusing on Bowmans accomplishments behind the wheel, Larson highlighted the qualities that made the driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet one of the organizations most respected teammates.Kyle Larson says Alex Bowman made everyone at Hendrick Motorsports betterLarson praised Bowman as both a competitor and a teammate, saying his impact extended far beyond race day.Hes been an amazing teammate, Larson said.Probably the best teammate you can ask for. Ive really enjoyed my time with him, hes made us all better.Larson and Bowman have shared the Hendrick Motorsports stable since Larson joined the organization in 2021. Alongside Chase Elliott and William Byron, the four drivers have helped Hendrick remain one of NASCARs premier organizations while combining for dozens of Cup Series victories over the past several seasons.According to Larson, Bowmans value inside the team wasnt limited to what happened on the racetrack.Larson says Bowmans personality will be missed just as much as his talentOne of the things Larson said hell remember most is Bowmans personality during team meetings and post-race discussions.Really enjoyed having him around, you know, in the debriefs and all that because he brings a dry sense of humor that we all enjoy.Larson also made it clear Bowman earned the respect of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports through his driving ability.And he can drive the heck out of a race car. So he brings, like I said, a lot to the race team.The retirement announcement came Thursday when Hendrick Motorsports confirmed Bowman had signed a one-year contract extension through the 2027 season before deciding that campaign would be his final one as a full-time Cup Series driver.While Bowman still has the remainder of the 2026 season and all of 2027 ahead of him, Larson said hes happy his teammate is getting the opportunity to leave the sport on his own terms.Im happy that hes able to do it on his own terms.Bowmans decision marks the beginning of the final chapter in a Cup Series career that has included multiple victories, playoff appearances and years as one of Hendrick Motorsports veteran leaders. Judging by Larsons comments, his influence inside the organization may be remembered just as much as the results he produced on the track.