Hélio Castroneves compares himself to Tom Brady, Phil Mickelson after 4th Indy 500 win

“The old guys still got it!” Hélio Castroneves said after winning Sunday’s Indy 500.

This one was for the old guys, Hélio Castroneves said after winning the fourth Indianapolis 500 of his illustrious career on Sunday.

The 46-year-old Brazilian driver took the checkered flag at Indianapolis Motor Speedway thanks to an incredible pass for the lead over Alex Palou with just two laps remaining in the 200-lap, 500-mile spectacle. He also won the iconic race in 2001, 2002 and 2009.

Beloved by fans and his fellow competitors, Castroneves celebrated his win in quintessential fashion by climbing the fence around the frontstretch, running up and down the track to show his love for the fans and, of course, dumping a bottle of milk on his head.

After the race, he also gave a shoutout to Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson as a couple other older athletes who have won big in 2021.

Talking to NBC Sports from the winner’s circle, Castroneves said after winning his fourth Indy 500 two decades after winning his first:

“Let me tell you: It’s not the end of it. It’s the beginning. I tell you what. Look, I don’t know if this is a good comparison or not, but Tom Brady won the Super Bowl, Phil Mickelson won [the PGA Championship], and now here we go. So the old guys still got it, still kicking the young guys’ butts! We teach them a lesson! I tell you what: This is absolutely incredible. Can’t thank you enough, everyone here.”

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Castroneves also shared his love for his family, the Indy 500, its fans and the people of Indiana. He said:

“This state is absolutely incredible. I love Indianapolis. You guys don’t understand. The fans, they give me energy! I’m serious, you don’t understand! This is absolutely incredible.”

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