Carlos Sainz never ceases to amaze. At 63 years old, with two World Rally Championships and four Dakar victories under his belt (the latest in 2024 with Audi), the Spaniard is as motivated as ever—proof that age, sometimes, is just a number. A role model for many in the rally bivouac, Sainz brings a complete approach to racing: strategy, speed, and bravery. And bravery is essential, as the Dakar remains an extreme race where danger lurks around every corner.

His son, Carlos Sainz Jr., experienced that intensity firsthand when he stepped out of his F1 car to try out his father’s Ford Raptor on open terrain—a small taste of what could be his future after Formula 1.

We met a calm yet determined Carlos Sainz Sr. during the Rally of Morocco, the final round of the World Rally-Raid Championship and the dress rehearsal ahead of the 2026 Dakar, where he will compete with the Ford Factory Team.

“Every year I look in the mirror and decide what I want to be when I grow up.”

What did you tell yourself after the 2025 Dakar?
“The truth? I was really angry with myself. When you work all year and can’t bring home a result, it’s painful. But then… I got that hunger back. I wanted to push myself again, to prepare properly. It’s not enough to just improve the car—you need physical preparation, sacrifice, full dedication. And when you’re a veteran, you have to train even harder each year.”

How do you see Ford’s arrival in rally-raid?
“Absolutely a game-changer. Ford came in seriously. I have a long history with them—I was the first official WRC driver for Malcolm Wilson many years ago. It’s great to be working with him again, now aiming to win the Dakar. That’s a challenge that motivates me deeply.”

What’s your goal for the Rally of Morocco?
“Simple: evaluate all the work we’ve done over the season. It’s the second Dakar for this team. The first is always tough, but now we’re more confident. Morocco is our benchmark to see where we stand—and yes, the goal is to win.”

Who are your biggest rivals?
“The level is incredibly high. Toyota is fielding six cars, Dacia is in, and then there’s us. I’d say at least 10–12 drivers are in contention. It’s going to be a fiercely competitive Dakar.”

What upgrades have you worked on?
“Suspension, weight, center of gravity… we’re always chasing that last step of improvement.”

What still draws you to this challenge?
“I love the competition, the car development, the teamwork, the passion for improving every detail—every single day. It keeps me alive.”

You recently swapped roles with Carlos Jr.
“It was an unforgettable day. At the end of last year, I drove a real Ferrari F1 car in Maranello. It was mind-blowing—a rocket. So, I insisted that he try my Dakar car. First, he sat beside me as co-driver to feel the speed, then he got behind the wheel on a small track. He had fun—and now he understands better what his father does.”

What impressed you most about the F1 test?
“The braking, the power, the speed—it’s a completely different kind of extreme compared to the Dakar. Every motorsport discipline pushes you to your limits in its own way. That’s what makes it all so captivating.”

Would you like to see your son at the Dakar?
“If he wants to, it’ll be his decision. I think he’s considering it… but it’s still far off. We saw Fernando Alonso give it a shot—maybe one day Carlos will too.”

What if he said: ‘Dad, I want to do the Dakar with you’?
“Not a chance. It wouldn’t be healthy for our relationship. And it wouldn’t be good for me either. Most importantly, I couldn’t perform the co-driver’s job at the required level. I have enormous respect for navigators—but it’s not my craft.”

Can He Win the Dakar?

“Winning the Dakar is anything but easy. Don’t get me wrong—Carlos has excellent car control and great instincts. He’s an exceptional driver. With the right preparation, he could aim for it. But it’s not simple. You need experience, pace, consistency. You can’t just show up and win. Those days are gone. Now it takes proper testing, prep work, and a few years in the desert.”

Which F1 Driver Would You Like to See in the Dakar?

“Max Verstappen? His father did rallying—I’m sure he’s tried a few cars. But like I said, every racing discipline is its own universe. You can’t just jump in and win. It’s never that easy.”

Is it emotionally hard watching your son race in F1?
“It’s a rollercoaster. Some days are joyful, others not so much. Just like it was for me. But I understand his emotions—I’ve lived them too. When things go well, you’re over the moon. When they don’t, you suffer with him.”

Prouder of Your Victories or His?
“His. When your child achieves something, it fills you with pride. It’s a different kind of happiness—deeper.”