Castroneves & Sato confirmed for Indianapolis 500 returns

Credit: Matt Fraver

Multi-time Indianapolis 500 winners Hélio Castroneves and Takuma Sato have both been confirmed to return to the 110th Running of 'the Greatest Spectacle in Racing' this May as both bid to drink the milk once again.

Castroneves, who turns 51 in May, will return in the No.06 Meyer Shank Racing entry in the team that he part-owns for his 26th Indianapolis 500. Castroneves will continue the 'drive for five', as he aims to become the first driver in history to claim five victories at the race, adding to his crowning moments in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021.

“The drive for five is still alive!” Castroneves said. “We’re going to be ready for the Indy 500. Let’s get ready together.”

The Brazilian, who has become synonymous with the race, will enter his sixth '500' with Meyer Shank Racing. He won his fourth Indianapolis 500 in his first race with the team in 2021 but has since had a best finish of just seventh, with a best qualifying spot of 20th.

Sato will return in the No.75 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) entry for his 17th Indianapolis 500. Sato won the race with the team in 2020 in addition to his maiden win with Andretti Global in 2017. It will be the third consecutive year Sato has driven the fourth RLL entry with May marking his eighth Indianapolis 500 with the team.

“The moment the checkered flag fell at the 2025 Indy 500, our preparation for the 110th running had already begun,” said Sato. “I’m incredibly excited to continue this journey with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing as we take on unfinished business. A sincere thank you to Bobby [Rahal], Mike [Lanigan], David [Letterman], and everyone at RLL for their belief and commitment.

“Last year, we showed tremendous speed and strong potential. Now, we return even more focused, more prepared and more determined. The Indy 500 is always special, but this year carries extra excitement. I can’t wait to reunite with the team, see all the familiar faces, and start building momentum toward May.”

Credit: Titus Slaughter

Sato was one of the standout drivers throughout the two weeks of running at last year's 500. The Japanese driver qualified second to Robert Shwartzman and led 51 laps before a pitlane error relegated him to ninth at the conclusion of the 200 laps.

“We are thrilled to have Takuma back with the team for the Indy 500," said RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal. "If there is a place he knows his way around, its Indy. He did a fabulous job in qualifying last year and it was just a shame what happened in the race because I think, clearly, he was the class of the field. He is a forever young guy and he brings a lot of positive energy to the team and everyone feeds off of that. It’s been a great relationship for a number of years now and I’m pleased that he wants to come back for the 500, and pleased that it is with us."

"Takuma has always been fast at the speedway, and his two wins prove his talent on racing’s biggest stage," added RLL co-owner Mike Lanigan. "I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together and excited for the opportunity to help him chase a third Indy 500 victory."

Sato and Castroneves' confirmations bring the confirmed number of entries for May's race to 31. Conor Daly and Jack Harvey have been confirmed at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, whilst Ryan Hunter-Reay has been confirmed a fourth Arrow McLaren entry with Ed Carpenter also making a return to the team that he owns alongside the 25 full-time drivers.

It has yet to be confirmed if Andretti Global will be entering a fourth car at the race after Marco Andretti's retirement in the off-season, but many have suggested that Colton Herta could be in the frame with no races scheduled in either April or May of the Formula 2 championship.

Both Abel Motorsports and PREMA have been linked with entries but are yet to be confirmed to return to the race.

With the return of two legends to the race, the days are counting nearer to the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 - could Castroneves complete the 'Drive for Five' or will it be Sato drinking the milk for a third time?