How did a boy from São Paulo who watched his father in the Dakar Rally end up in IndyCar?

April 3, 2002. São Paulo, Brazil. Caio Jotta Collet is born in a city that breathes motorsports through every pore. His father is a rally driver, one of those who competed in Dakar. His mother, worried about safety, never wanted him to follow that path. But the boy had already seen the races. Already felt the speed. Already knew what he wanted.

Today, 24 years later, Caio Collet drives the number 4 Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing in the IndyCar Series. He’s the only Brazilian with a full-time seat in the category in 2026. He carries the flag of a country that saw champions like Emerson Fittipaldi, Tony Kanaan, Gil de Ferran and Hélio Castroneves born. The pressure is enormous. The opportunity, unique.

But this story doesn’t start in IndyCar. It starts much earlier, at a karting track near Interlagos, with a seven-year-old boy who could barely reach the pedals.

São Paulo, 2009: The karting track where it all began

Caio is three or four years old when his father takes him to rally races for the first time. He gives him a small quad. The boy drives between the pits while his dad competes. His mother sees him and gets scared. Too dangerous. Forbidden. The quad disappears.

But the boy doesn’t forget the feeling.

At seven, Caio steps into a kart for the first time. There are two karting tracks he frequents in São Paulo. One is next to the Interlagos circuit, the temple of Brazilian Formula 1. The other is closer to his home. It’s at that nearby track where Caio takes his first laps. Where he competes his first race. Where he learns that winning hurts less than losing.

The level of Brazilian karting at that time is extremely high. Caio races against Gianluca Petecof, future professional driver. Races against dozens of kids who dream of Europe. The competition is brutal. But Caio wins. Wins national titles. Wins Brazilian karting championships. Becomes one of the country’s most promising names.

In 2015, at 13, Caio travels to Europe to compete in the World Karting Championship OK-Junior category. Finishes third. The European paddock notices him. Nicolas Todt, son of Jean Todt and manager of drivers like Charles Leclerc and Felipe Massa, decides to sign him to his All Road Management structure in 2017.

Caio is 15. Leaves Brazil. Moves to Europe. The Formula 1 dream begins to take shape.

2017-2018: From Interlagos karting track to European single-seaters

In early 2018, Caio wins the Volant Winfield, a historic prize in France previously won by Alain Prost and Jean Alesi. The prize gives him access to the French Formula 4 Championship.

Caio doesn’t waste the opportunity.

Wins seven races. Dominates the season. Is crowned French F4 champion with one race to spare. He’s 16 and already one of the hottest names in European youth motorsport.

Renault Sport (which would later become Alpine Academy) signs him immediately. Caio joins the structure alongside Victor Martins, another young Frenchman who would also reach Formula 2. The Renault Academy is one of Europe’s most respected development programs. Drivers like Kevin Magnussen, Jolyon Palmer and Jack Aitken have passed through there.

Caio is 16. He’s in one of the world’s best development programs. The future looks bright.

2019-2020: Renault Academy and Formula Renault Eurocup

In 2019, Caio makes the jump to Formula Renault Eurocup with R-ace GP team. It’s his first season in a highly competitive category with drivers from all over Europe. Finishes fifth and is named best rookie of the championship. Doesn’t win races, but accumulates six podiums and demonstrates consistency.

At the end of 2019, Caio experiences one of the most special moments of his career so far. He drives the Lotus E20 Formula 1 car (the car Kimi Räikkönen raced in 2012) at a festival honoring Ayrton Senna in São Paulo. It’s a symbolic moment. The boy who grew up watching races at Interlagos now drives a Formula 1 car on that same circuit, in front of thousands of Brazilians who dream of seeing one of their own back in the top category.

In early 2020, Caio competes in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand, a winter championship that uses Formula 3 chassis. Finishes seventh with one victory. There he crosses paths with Franco Colapinto, the Argentine driver who years later would reach Formula 1.

For the rest of 2020, Caio returns to Formula Renault Eurocup. This time it’s different. Wins five races. Adds seven additional podiums. Fights for the championship until the last race. Finishes second, only behind Victor Martins, his Renault Academy teammate.

Renault rewards him by keeping him in the Academy. The next logical step is FIA Formula 3.

2021-2023: Three years in Formula 3 that didn’t go according to plan

In 2021, Caio debuts in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport, sharing the team with Victor Martins. Expectations are high. Caio comes from finishing second in Eurocup. Martins comes from the same result. Both are Alpine Academy members. Both are fighting to reach Formula 2.

The 2021 season starts well. Caio gets a podium on his debut in Barcelona. Adds another podium at Paul Ricard. But then come the difficulties. Mechanical problems. Penalties. A mid-season stumble that takes him out of the fight for top 5. Finishes ninth with 93 points. He’s the second best rookie behind Martins, but it’s not enough.

In 2022, Caio stays with MP Motorsport. This time he has more experience. Knows the circuits. Knows the car. And finally everything starts working.

Achieves his first pole position in mixed conditions at Spa-Francorchamps, demonstrating his skill in the rain. Gets another pole at Monza. Wins his first sprint race at Hungaroring. Wins another at Zandvoort. Adds five podiums total. Finishes eighth in the championship with 88 points.

Not the title he was looking for, but it’s progress. Caio is improving. Getting closer.

For 2023, Caio changes teams. Leaves MP Motorsport and signs with Van Amersfoort Racing, a Dutch team that had just debuted in Formula 3 in 2022. It’s a gamble. VAR had a promising but irregular first year. Caio trusts that together they can fight for the championship.

The season starts well. Caio wins the sprint race at Spa, his favorite circuit. Adds three more podiums throughout the year. But the car isn’t consistently competitive enough. Finishes ninth again with 73 points.

Three years in Formula 3. Three victories. Eleven podiums. Three ninth places. The numbers aren’t bad, but they’re not enough to make the jump to Formula 2. The Alpine Academy lets him go at the end of 2022. The Formula 1 dream fades.

Caio is 21. Three years in Europe. No budget for Formula 2. No confirmed seat for 2024.

Time to change continents.

2024: Nissan Formula E and debut in Indy NXT

In early 2024, Nissan Formula E signs Caio as reserve and simulator driver. It’s an important role. He works on the development of the Gen3 electric car. Participates in rookie sessions. Learns energy management systems.

In June 2024 he receives an unexpected call. Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s regular driver, gets sick before the Portland E-Prix. Caio must replace him. With barely hours of preparation, he debuts in Formula E in both weekend races. Finishes in rear positions, but completes all laps and gains valuable experience.

Simultaneously, Caio also makes a crucial decision for his career. Signs with HMD Motorsports to compete in Indy NXT, IndyCar’s development category.

It’s a radical change. Leaves the European circuits he knows by heart. Leaves the single-seaters with extreme downforce. Arrives in the United States to learn ovals, unknown road circuits and a completely different racing philosophy.

His rookie season in Indy NXT is spectacular.

Wins at Mid-Ohio from pole position. It’s his first victory on American soil. Adds six podiums total. Eleven top 10s in 14 races. Finishes third in the championship. Is elected Rookie of the Year.

Caio demonstrates he can adapt. That he can win on ovals. That he can fight with North America’s best.

HMD Motorsports renews him for 2025.

2025: Indy NXT runner-up and AJ Foyt’s call

The 2025 Indy NXT season is the definitive confirmation.

Caio wins three races. Achieves three pole positions. Adds ten podiums in 14 races. Accumulates 527 points. Fights for the championship until the last race. Finishes second, only behind Dennis Hauger.

It’s the best result of his professional career. Two years in Indy NXT. Four victories. Fifteen podiums. A third place and a second place. The numbers speak for themselves.

On November 6, 2025, AJ Foyt Racing officially announces that Caio Collet will drive the number 4 Chevrolet in the 2026 IndyCar season. It’s a full seat. 17 races. Sponsorship from Combitrans Amazonia, a Brazilian logistics company betting on their compatriot.

Caio becomes the first Brazilian with a full-time IndyCar seat since Pietro Fittipaldi in 2024.

Larry Foyt, team president, states: “Caio is a welcome addition to AJ Foyt Racing. He has shown great potential in Indy NXT by Firestone and in the junior formulas in Europe. I was impressed with how he adapted to our car at the recent Mid-Ohio test and I’m very excited to see what he can do in IndyCar. There’s no doubt that he will be a strong contender in the battle for Rookie of the Year.”

Caio responds: “I’m very happy to join AJ Foyt Racing in the NTT IndyCar Series and thankful to Larry for trusting my skills and giving me this fantastic opportunity. It is a dream come true after years of hard work in developing series since my early go-karting experiences. I’m thankful to all teams and sponsors that helped me through my career, especially Marcelo Camargo from Combitrans Amazonia, that joined our Indy NXT campaign this season and will be with us next year. IndyCar is huge in Brazil and I’m looking forward to bringing its flag back to a full-time seat in the 2026 season.”

2026: The IndyCar debut

March 1, 2026. St. Petersburg, Florida. Firestone Grand Prix. First race of the IndyCar season.

Caio Collet qualifies in 24th position out of 26 cars with a time of 1:01.571. Not the dream debut in qualifying. The St. Pete street circuit is known for not forgiving rookie mistakes. The alternation between asphalt and concrete requires adaptation. Caio is still learning.

On Sunday, the race lasts 100 laps. Caio starts 24th. Keeps the car clean. Avoids incidents. Takes advantage of strategy. Fights for positions. On the last lap passes Graham Rahal after an intense battle.

Crosses the finish line in 17th position. Has gained seven places. Has completed all laps of his first IndyCar race. Is the best rookie on track.

Caio states afterward: “I think it was definitely a good race. We ended up on a positive note, moved forward. I think the strategy, we maximized what we could do to be honest, and made some moves out on track as well, and kept out of trouble. We were quite quick on the blacks (primary Firestone tire) and I think on the reds (alternate, softer compound tire) is something that I need to work on myself, just trying to see where the limit of the tire is and how the balance changes.”

The season is just beginning. 16 races remain. The goal is clear: fight for Rookie of the Year against Mick Schumacher (Rahal Letterman Lanigan) and Dennis Hauger (Dale Coyne Racing).

March 28, 2026. Barber Motorsports Park, Alabama. Fourth race of the season.

Caio achieves 13th time in free practice. Is the best rookie on track. Completes 28 laps, more than any other driver in the session. His best lap is 1:08.2692, 0.8513 from leader Kyle Kirkwood.

Caio states: “We started well and I’m excited for the weekend. Let’s focus on qualifying now, to start well and fight for top 10 on Sunday.”

The adaptation continues. Race after race. Lap after lap. Caio learns the circuits. Learns the ovals. Learns to fight with veterans like Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward.

Important quotes and moments that define Caio

On growing up in São Paulo: “There are three places in São Paulo, two that I go to. There is the karting track at Interlagos, next to the circuit, and there is another one that is a little different and a bit closer to my house. The one close to my house is the one where I started, where I first tried a go-kart. It is where I practiced and where my first race was there. I really like the track – I know everyone there. When I go back to São Paulo, I still go sometimes, I really enjoy driving there. The karting level when I was driving in Brazil was really, really high. I raced with the likes of Gianluca Petecof and other drivers who are now in Europe as well.”

On his father and rally: “My dad used to do Dakar Rally and that kind of stuff. When I was young, about three or four years old, I went with him to the rally races, and I was just standing there next to some part of the track and just watching him drive. I actually started rallying when I was three or four years old. He gave me a little quad and always when I was with him at the races, I would be driving around a little bit, but then my mum decided it was a bit too dangerous, so I had to stop.”

On joining IndyCar: “It is a dream come true after years of hard work. IndyCar is huge in Brazil. I’m looking forward to bringing its flag back to a full-time seat.”

On his St. Petersburg debut: “It was definitely a good race. We maximized what we could do, made some moves on track and kept out of trouble.”

Larry Foyt on Caio: “I was impressed with how he adapted to our car at the recent Mid-Ohio test. There’s no doubt that he will be a strong contender in the battle for Rookie of the Year.”

Marcelo Camargo, CEO of Combitrans Amazonia: “Caio Collet’s dream is our dream. Brazil deserves the excitement of a full-time IndyCar driver. We are thrilled to be part of this project with AJ Foyt Racing and carrying the Brazilian flag among so many global brands in the NTT IndyCar Series.”

Curiosities and interesting facts

Family influence: Caio’s father competed in the Dakar Rally. That influence marked his childhood, although his mother kept him away from rally for considering it dangerous. Karting was the perfect compromise.

Mixed ancestry: Caio is of French and Italian descent through his family, although he was born and raised completely Brazilian in São Paulo.

The Volant Winfield: In 2018 he won this prestigious French prize previously won by Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, Olivier Panis and other great drivers. The prize opened the doors to the French F4 Championship.

Tribute to Senna: In late 2019 he had the honor of driving the Lotus E20 Formula 1 car at a festival honoring Ayrton Senna in São Paulo, his hometown. It was a deeply emotional moment for him and Brazilian fans.

Expert in mixed conditions: Caio demonstrated on multiple occasions his exceptional skill in the rain. His pole position at Spa-Francorchamps 2022 in Formula 3, in changing conditions, is one of his most remembered moments.

Martins’ teammate: Victor Martins and Caio were teammates in the Renault/Alpine Academy from 2019. Both fought together in Formula Renault and Formula 3. Martins eventually reached Formula 2 and now races in WEC with Alpine.

Crossing with Colapinto: In the 2020 Toyota Racing Series, Caio competed against Franco Colapinto, the Argentine driver who years later would debut in Formula 1 with Williams. Both were part of the Road to F1 at that time.

Historic number 4: The number 4 he drives at AJ Foyt Racing has history. A.J. Foyt, team founder and IndyCar legend, won the Indianapolis 500 four times. The number is symbolic.

Brazilian mentors: Caio mentions Tony Kanaan and Hélio Castroneves as his mentors and inspirations. Both are IndyCar legends and compatriots who have guided him in his adaptation to American motorsport.

São Paulo food and culture: Caio always highlights his love for São Paulo’s food and culture when talking about his upbringing. He misses the city’s gastronomic diversity and social life when he’s in the United States.

Quick adaptation to ovals: Despite having no previous experience on ovals before arriving at Indy NXT in 2024, Caio adapted quickly and achieved good results on this type of circuit, demonstrating versatility.

Two categories in 2024: During 2024, Caio raced simultaneously in Indy NXT and was Nissan’s reserve driver in Formula E, demonstrating his ability to handle multiple professional responsibilities.

Best rookie twice: Was elected Rookie of the Year in Indy NXT 2024. In 2019 was named best rookie of Formula Renault Eurocup. Has a history of successful adaptations.

Final numbers (through March 2026)

Karting career (2009-2017):

• Multiple Brazilian national championships
• Third in World Karting Championship OK-Junior (2015)
• CIK-FIA European Championship finalist (2016-2017)

Formula 4 (2017-2018):

• Sixth in F4 UAE Championship 2017-18 with 1 victory
• French F4 Champion 2018 with 7 victories

Formula Renault Eurocup (2019-2020):

• 2019: Fifth place, best rookie, 6 podiums
• 2020: Second place, 5 victories, 12 total podiums

Toyota Racing Series (2020):

• Seventh place with 1 victory

FIA Formula 3 (2021-2023):

• 2021: Ninth place, 2 podiums (MP Motorsport)
• 2022: Eighth place, 2 victories, 5 podiums, 2 poles (MP Motorsport)
• 2023: Ninth place, 1 victory, 4 podiums (Van Amersfoort Racing)
• Total: 3 victories, 11 podiums in 51 races

Indy NXT (2024-2025):

• 2024: Third place, 1 victory, 6 podiums, Rookie of the Year (HMD Motorsports)
• 2025: Second place, 3 victories, 10 podiums, 3 poles, 527 points (HMD Motorsports)
• Total: 4 victories, 16 podiums, 4 poles in 28 races

IndyCar (2026-present):

• Debut: St. Petersburg 2026, 17th position (from 24th)
• Team: AJ Foyt Racing
• Number: 4
• Engine: Chevrolet
• Primary sponsor: Combitrans Amazonia

2026: The road ahead

Caio Collet is 23. He’s the only Brazilian with a full-time IndyCar seat in 2026. Carries the hopes of a country that loves motorsport and saw its compatriots win titles and the Indianapolis 500.

The pressure is enormous. Mick Schumacher (Michael’s son) and Dennis Hauger (2021 F3 champion and 2025 Indy NXT runner-up) are his direct rivals for Rookie of the Year. Both have pedigree. Both have budget. Both want to win.

But Caio has something they must still demonstrate in IndyCar: two years of experience in Indy NXT. Knows the circuits. Knows the ovals. Knows how races work in North America.

AJ Foyt Racing is a legendary team. A.J. Foyt is the only driver who won the Indianapolis 500, 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 500 NASCAR Championship. The team has carried his name since 1996. They’ve won races with drivers like Billy Boat, Buddy Lazier and more recently with Sebastien Bourdais.

Larry Foyt, team president and son of the legend, believes in Caio. Gave him a full contract. Gave him sponsorship. Gave him confidence.

Now it’s time for Caio to prove the bet was worth it.

The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, 2026. It will be the most important race of Caio’s life so far. More than 300,000 people in the stands. Millions watching on television in Brazil. The most prestigious race in American motorsport.

Caio must complete the Rookie Orientation Program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the race. Must learn the fastest and most intimidating oval in the world. Must qualify among the top 33 to secure his spot on the grid.

But if Caio Collet has demonstrated anything throughout his career it’s that he can adapt. That he can learn. That he can compete.

From a karting track in São Paulo to the IndyCar Series. From watching his father race Dakar to driving himself in the most competitive single-seater category in North America. From being a boy who pulled tires from trash in Brazil to representing his country on the world stage.

There are no written endings in motorsport. Only laps to complete. Only races to win. Only dreams to chase.

And Caio Collet is just beginning.

Sources: IndyCar.com, Indy NXT Official Website, AJ Foyt Racing Official Website, FIA Formula 3 Championship, Wikipedia Caio Collet, Formula Scout, Racer.com, Motorsport Week, Speed Sport, Grande Prêmio, Autoracing Brasil, Terra Brasil, Mix Vale, Velocidade no Sangue, Grokipedia, Formula E Wiki, Driver Database, Formula Renault Eurocup Archives, Alpine Academy Records, HMD Motorsports, Combitrans Amazonia