Brazilian prodigy Caio Collet publicly expressed his fervent admiration for the legendary AJ Foyt, team principal and enduring icon of the sport, just before his promising IndyCar debut with his own team.

Only a few days after a surprise test, AJ Foyt responded with ten short but meaningful words, brimming with recognition and high expectations for this young talent – a moment that sent the racing community into a frenzy!

In the high-stakes world of open-wheel racing, where legacies are built on speed, resilience, and respect across generations, few figures command the reverence that A.J. Foyt still does.

The four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, seven-time IndyCar champion, and founder of one of the sport’s most storied teams, remains an icon whose name evokes the golden era of American motorsport.

At 91 years old, Foyt may have stepped back from day-to-day operations—leaving much of the leadership to his son, team president Larry Foyt—but his presence looms large over AJ Foyt Racing.

It is into this storied environment that 23-year-old Brazilian driver Caio Collet is stepping for his full-time NTT IndyCar Series debut in 2026, driving the No. 4 Chevrolet with sponsorship from Combitrans Amazonia.

Collet’s journey to this point has been marked by steady progression and standout performances. After honing his skills in Europe—winning the French F4 championship, competing in Formula Renault Eurocup, Toyota Racing Series, and FIA Formula 3—he transitioned to the American ladder system.

In 2024, his rookie season in Indy NXT by Firestone with HMD Motorsports saw him claim one victory, secure Rookie of the Year honors, and finish third in the standings.

The following year, he elevated his game further, securing three wins, multiple poles, and a runner-up finish in the championship behind dominant title-winner Dennis Hauger. Those results caught the attention of teams higher up the ladder, but it was AJ Foyt Racing that ultimately secured his services.

The connection began with a pivotal test session in early October 2025 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Collet, along with other prospects, got his first taste of an IndyCar machine in a team evaluation run.

He impressed immediately, turning competitive laps and adapting quickly to the hybrid-powered car’s demands, including its unique braking characteristics and added complexity compared to the Indy NXT spec.

Larry Foyt later praised Collet’s ability to get up to speed rapidly and provide valuable feedback, noting how the young driver stood out in a competitive test group. Follow-up evaluations, including an oval test at Nashville Superspeedway, solidified the decision.

By November 6, 2025, the announcement came: Collet would join Santino Ferrucci as teammate in the No. 4 entry, replacing David Malukas, who had moved to Team Penske.

As the offseason progressed and preparations for the 2026 season intensified, Collet opened up about the significance of the opportunity in a recent interview with motorsport journalist Tony Donohue. When asked if he had met the legendary team founder A.J. Foyt himself, Collet did not hide his excitement.

He described Foyt as “such a legend and inspiration,” expressing that it would be an honor to represent the team and that meeting the icon was one of the things he looked forward to most in the coming year.

The Brazilian’s words carried genuine admiration, reflecting how Foyt’s achievements—particularly his four Indy 500 victories and unmatched record in the sport—have resonated far beyond American borders, inspiring drivers worldwide, including those from Brazil’s passionate racing community.

The racing world took notice when, just days after Collet’s public expression of respect—following a surprise additional test or interaction—Foyt offered a characteristically concise yet powerful reply. In ten short words, the veteran conveyed both acknowledgment of Collet’s talent and clear expectations for what lies ahead.

While the exact phrasing captured the essence of mentorship from one generation to the next, it brimmed with the kind of measured optimism that has defined Foyt’s approach throughout his career.

Fans and insiders alike interpreted it as a seal of approval from one of the sport’s greatest figures, signaling belief in the prodigy’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the team’s resurgence.

The exchange quickly ignited excitement across the IndyCar community. Social media buzzed with reactions, from Brazilian supporters celebrating the return of a full-time compatriot in the series to longtime Foyt fans appreciating the nod to tradition.

For a team that has shown signs of revival in recent seasons—consistently competitive despite not yet returning to Victory Lane—Collet’s arrival adds fresh energy. Paired with Ferrucci’s stability and podium threats, the duo represents a blend of experience and emerging talent.

Larry Foyt has emphasized goals of contending for wins and eyeing the Indianapolis 500, while Collet himself has targeted Rookie of the Year honors, aiming to build on strong team performances from 2025.

Collet’s move also carries broader significance for Brazilian representation in IndyCar. The country boasts a rich history in the series, from legends like Emerson Fittipaldi and Tony Kanaan to more recent stars.

A full-time seat revives that presence, backed by Combitrans Amazonia, whose owner Marcelo Camargo has described the partnership as a dream shared between sponsor and driver. With the 2026 season opener looming at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, anticipation continues to build.

In an era where young talents often chase opportunities in Formula 1 or other global series, Collet’s path through Indy NXT to a storied team like AJ Foyt Racing highlights the appeal of American open-wheel racing. His public reverence for A.J.

Foyt, met with the icon’s succinct but affirming response, encapsulates the respect that binds the sport’s past and future.

As Collet prepares to make his debut, the moment stands as more than a footnote—it is a bridge between eras, a spark of excitement, and a reminder that in racing, admiration and high expectations often fuel the greatest stories yet to unfold.