In a heartwarming display of family support, Carlos Sainz Jr. has penned an emotional tribute to his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., as the legendary driver gears up for his 19th Dakar Rally in 2026. But here's where it gets even more inspiring: Sainz Jr., a Formula 1 driver for Williams, reflects on the rare opportunity he had to sit alongside his father in the Ford Raptor T1+ during the summer of 2025, first as a co-driver and then behind the wheel. 'I’ve watched you tackle this challenge for years, but experiencing it firsthand last summer deepened my admiration for you and what you do,' Sainz Jr. wrote. 'Good luck at the Dakar, Dad. I’m so proud of how you keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards. Vamos!'
At 63, Sainz Sr. is no stranger to the Dakar Rally, boasting an impressive record of four wins, six podium finishes, and 42 stage victories. This year, he’ll be joined once again by his trusted co-driver, Lucas Cruz, who has been by his side for all four of his Dakar triumphs. Their partnership not only solidified their legacy but also marked the first time Spaniards claimed the title. But here’s where it gets controversial: with the playing field more level than ever—all teams now have the same weight, power, and tires—the race will come down to reliability and suspension optimization. Is this the year we see a new winner emerge, or will experience prevail?
Sainz Sr. shared his thoughts with Dakar.com, expressing confidence in their preparation: 'We’ve covered more kilometers and know the car better than last year, which gives us a bit more optimism. But the competition is fiercer than ever. Over 15 vehicles could realistically fight for victory, with a mix of seasoned veterans like [Sébastien] Loeb and [Nasser] Al Attiyah, and rising stars like Mattias [Ekström], Mitch [Guthrie], and Lucas Moraes. The pace will be relentless from the start, and minimizing mistakes will be crucial.'
And this is the part most people miss: Sainz Sr. isn’t just competing—he’s chasing history. 'When you’ve won four times, there’s only one goal: to win again,' he stated boldly. But with such a strong field, is he underestimating the new generation of drivers, or will his experience be the deciding factor?
What’s your take? Do you think Sainz Sr. can secure his fifth Dakar Rally win, or will a new contender take the crown? Let us know in the comments below!
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