Note: The Penske Entertainment editorial staff is looking back at the five biggest moments of 2025 in INDY NXT by Firestone in this year-end series, with one installment appearing on the site per day in countdown fashion from Dec. 27-31.
Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet were the class of the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone field.
Next season, their rivalry is set to continue on an even bigger stage as both step up to chase NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year honors in 2026.
Hauger, 22, delivered one of the most complete rookie campaigns in recent INDY NXT history. Driving for Andretti Global, the Norwegian earned six wins in 14 races, 11 podiums, 13 top-five finishes and led 301 laps on his way to the championship. His consistency, combined with pace on every circuit type, made him the first series rookie since Kyle Kirkwood in 2021 to capture the title.
Collet, 23, proved to be Hauger’s closest and most persistent challenger. The Brazilian finished second in the 2025 standings, adding four wins and four poles to a résumé that already included 16 career podiums and 21 top-five finishes across two INDY NXT seasons. He claimed Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and improved steadily in his sophomore campaign, keeping the title fight alive deep into the year.
Both drivers impressed enough to earn full-time INDYCAR SERIES opportunities for 2026. Hauger was confirmed in late September as a Dale Coyne Racing signing, while Collet finalized a deal with AJ Foyt Racing in November.
Collet’s path to the Foyt seat was accelerated by strong testing performances. With the No. 4 Chevrolet opening after David Malukas’ move to Team Penske, Collet tested for the team Oct. 1 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and immediately stood out. A follow-up test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, plus an oval evaluation at Nashville Superspeedway in early November, solidified his position as the team’s choice. His pace, adaptability and technical feedback convinced Foyt leadership that he was ready for the leap.
Both drivers arrive in INDYCAR with deep international experience. Collet climbed the European junior ranks after capturing the French F4 Championship. He advanced through Formula Renault Eurocup (2019-20), the Toyota Racing Series (2020) and FIA Formula 3 (2021-23), while also serving as reserve and simulator driver for Nissan’s Formula E team in 2024.
Hauger brings an equally decorated background. After early success in karting, he finished fourth in British F4 in 2018 before winning the Italian F4 title and finishing runner-up in ADAC F4 in 2019. His breakout came in 2021 when he captured the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Three seasons in Formula 2 produced five wins and 13 podiums, and he spent six years in the Red Bull Junior Team, including serving as Red Bull’s Formula One reserve driver in 2022 and 2023.
After pushing each other to new heights in INDY NXT, Hauger and Collet will renew their battle at the top level of North American open-wheel racing in 2026, this time with Rookie of the Year honors on the line.
