AJ Foyt Racing Sets Sights on Rising Star Caio Collet Instead of Rinus Veekay
The motorsports world never stops spinning, and right now, all eyes are on AJ Foyt Racing as they prepare for what could be one of their most crucial driver decisions in years. Instead of going with the expected choice of Rinus Veekay, the team is reportedly turning its attention to a hungry 23-year-old talent who’s been making waves in the development ranks.
This isn’t just another routine driver swap. This is about the future direction of one of IndyCar’s most storied organizations. When you’ve got the AJ Foyt Racing name on the side of your car, every decision carries weight that extends far beyond just one racing season.
The Unexpected Turn Away from Veekay
For weeks, Rinus Veekay seemed like the obvious choice to fill the seat being vacated by David Malukas. The Dutch driver had already turned down a contract offer from Dale Coyne Racing, making it clear he wouldn’t be returning to his previous ride in 2026. Everything pointed toward AJ Foyt Racing as his landing spot.
But racing rarely follows the expected script. Reports now confirm that Veekay is entirely out of the picture at AJ Foyt Racing, leaving many in the paddock scratching their heads. It’s a reminder that in this business, nothing’s guaranteed until the ink is dry on the contract.
The situation leaves Veekay in a precarious position with limited options. Three seats remain open for 2026: one at Dale Coyne Racing, which he has already declined, and one at Juncos Hollinger Racing. Unless something opens up at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and there are whispers about Devlin DeFrancesco’s performance clauses, Veekay’s choices are getting narrower by the day.
Enter Caio Collet: The Rising Talent
AJ Foyt Racing has shifted its focus to Caio Collet, the 2024 Indy NXT Rookie of the Year, who finished as championship runner-up to Dennis Hauger in 2025. At 23 years old, Collet represents precisely the kind of young talent that can energize a team and build toward long-term success.
This isn’t a desperation move. It’s a calculated decision based on genuine performance. Collet didn’t just stumble into the runner-up position. He earned it through consistent speed and racecraft that caught the attention of team owners throughout the paddock. When you can impress in the competitive environment of Indy NXT, you’ve proven you belong at the next level.
The proof will come next Wednesday at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where Collet will participate in a crucial test session. This isn’t just a casual evaluation, but it’s likely the final audition for the No. 4 Chevrolet seat. Every lap will matter, every sector time will be scrutinized, and every interaction with the crew will be evaluated.
The David Malukas Factor
The driver shuffle all started with David Malukas’ move to Team Penske, where he’ll replace Will Power, who’s heading to Andretti Global. It’s a testament to Malukas’ talent that he’s earned a spot with Roger Penske’s organization, but it created the opening that’s now causing such intrigue.
Larry Foyt, the team’s principal, didn’t hide his disappointment about losing Malukas. His August comments revealed genuine appreciation for the 24-year-old’s abilities and personality. “David’s been great to have, no doubt, got a lot of talent, and really quick,” Foyt said. “Definitely a funny, interesting guy. He cracks me up.”
The reality is that Malukas was essentially on loan to AJ Foyt Racing, sponsored by Team Penske. When Will Power decided to leave Penske, partly due to feeling his loyalty wasn’t properly recognized, it set off the chain reaction that led to this current situation.
What This Means for AJFR’s Future
A.J. Foyt Racing is at a crossroads. They can either chase proven experience or invest in developing talent. Their apparent choice of Collet over Veekay suggests they’re willing to bet on potential rather than established track record. This decision reflects a broader trend in IndyCar where teams are increasingly looking at the Indy NXT series as a legitimate talent pipeline.
Gone are the days when you needed years of experience to earn a top-level ride. If you can perform in the developmental series, teams are willing to leap. The Mid-Ohio test will be telling. Collet will be joined by Dennis Hauger, who’s already signed with Dale Coyne Racing for 2026, along with Team Penske drivers. It’s a chance for direct comparison between rising talents and established competitors.
The Broader Impact
This story extends beyond just AJ Foyt Racing’s driver choice. It highlights how quickly fortunes can change in the world of motorsports. Veekay went from seeming certainty to being completely out of contention in a matter of weeks. Meanwhile, Collet has progressed from a developmental driver to a potential IndyCar regular.
For AJ Foyt Racing, this represents more than just filling a seat. It’s also about setting the tone for their competitive future. The Foyt name carries incredible history in American motorsports, and every decision is measured against that legacy.
The upcoming test at Mid-Ohio could determine not just Collet’s future, but also provide insight into how AJ Foyt Racing plans to approach the increasingly competitive IndyCar landscape. Sometimes the most significant risks lead to the greatest rewards, and that philosophy might be precisely what this storied team needs.
