Carlos Sainz sends heartfelt message to dad Carlos Sainz Sr ahead of Dakar Rally

Carlos Sainz Sr., affectionately known as "El Matador," is set to embark on his latest Dakar challenge at 63 years of age, a testament to his unparalleled longevity and competitive spirit in the cross-country rally discipline. Over a career spanning decades, Sainz Sr. has carved out a formidable legacy in the Dakar Rally, accumulating four overall victories, six podium finishes, and an impressive 42 stage wins. His consistent performance and strategic acumen have made him one of the most respected figures in rally-raid history, bridging generations of competitors and technological advancements.

The younger Sainz, currently a prominent figure in Formula 1, shared his reflections on his father’s relentless pursuit of excellence. "I have watched you take on this challenge for years," the Formula 1 driver wrote, recalling a unique experience in the summer of 2025. During this period, he had the opportunity to sit in the co-driver’s seat and subsequently take the wheel of his father’s Ford Raptor T1+ rally car. This direct exposure to the extreme environment of rally-raid provided a new perspective for Sainz Jr., deepening his respect for the discipline. "I experienced a small taste of it last summer and my admiration towards you and what you do keeps increasing," he added, concluding with a message of encouragement: "Good luck at the Dakar, Dad. Proud of you for the way you keep pushing and raising the bar! Vamos!" This interaction offered a rare glimpse into the personal connection between two high-achieving athletes, each at the apex of their respective motorsport categories.

Sainz Sr.’s bid for a fifth Dakar title will once again see him partnered with his long-standing co-driver, Lucas Cruz. The Spanish duo has formed one of the most successful partnerships in Dakar history, with Cruz having navigated Sainz Sr. to all four of his previous victories. Their collaboration dates back to 2010 when they secured their first Dakar title, marking a historic moment as the first Spanish pairing to win the prestigious event. The intricate relationship between driver and co-driver, where trust, communication, and precise navigation are paramount, is often considered a critical factor in Dakar success, especially across the varied and often unforgiving terrains.

Speaking to Dakar.com ahead of the race, Sainz Sr. expressed a palpable sense of optimism regarding his preparations and the team’s prospects. "We’re more confident than last year because we’ve covered more kilometres and know the car a little better," he stated, indicating a thorough development and testing phase for the Ford Raptor T1+. This increased familiarity with the vehicle is a crucial element in a race where mechanical reliability is often the ultimate determinant of victory. Sainz Sr. further elaborated on the competitive landscape, noting the levelling effect of current regulations. "In a race where reliability is key, all this means you can approach the Dakar with a little more confidence and optimism. Now that we all have the same weight, roughly the same power, and the same tyres, the difference will be the car that doesn’t encounter mechanical issues and best optimises the suspension." This regulatory framework places a premium on engineering resilience, strategic car management, and the ability of the team to maintain peak performance across thousands of kilometres of diverse terrain.

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The Dakar Rally, historically initiated in 1978, is renowned globally as one of the most arduous motorsport events. It challenges competitors across vast distances, through deserts, mountains, and challenging landscapes, testing both human and machine to their absolute limits. Originally traversing from Paris to Dakar, the rally has since moved, finding its current home in Saudi Arabia, where the 2026 edition will once again push participants through a demanding course. The T1+ category, in which Sainz Sr. competes, represents the pinnacle of car racing within the rally, featuring purpose-built off-road vehicles designed for extreme conditions.

Sainz Sr. anticipates an exceptionally competitive field for the 2026 edition, suggesting that the era of a few dominant drivers might be evolving. "We are facing an edition where more than 15 vehicles can fight for victory," he observed. "When there is such a strong field of fast drivers from different generations and so many brands, it makes it more interesting. The competition will be fierce and a lot of fun for spectators." This expanding pool of contenders, equipped with top-tier machinery and diverse skill sets, promises a dynamic and unpredictable race from the outset.

He highlighted several prominent rivals and emerging talents expected to challenge for the overall win. The list includes established legends such as nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb, who has frequently finished as a Dakar runner-up, and multiple Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, known for his cross-country rally dominance and Olympic shooting medals. Nani Roma, another formidable Spanish competitor and one of the few individuals to have won the Dakar in both the motorcycle and car categories, also remains a significant threat.

Beyond these veterans, Sainz Sr. pointed to a formidable new generation of drivers who are rapidly establishing themselves. "Still, there will also be Mattias [Ekström] and Mitch [Guthrie], Lucas Moraes – world champion – Seth Quintero, Joao Ferreira, Henk Lategan… a series of drivers who have first-rate cars and are very fast, and I’m sure I’m leaving some out." Mattias Ekström, with his background in DTM, World Rallycross, and WRC, brings extensive multi-disciplinary experience. Mitch Guthrie Jr. and Seth Quintero represent a new wave of American off-road talent, often rising through the lighter prototype categories. Lucas Moraes, who has already achieved podium finishes in the Dakar, along with being a world champion in specific rally-raid categories, embodies the rapid ascent of younger drivers. Joao Ferreira and Henk Lategan also command respect, driving for manufacturer-backed teams and demonstrating consistent speed. This diverse lineup, representing various teams and manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, and Prodrive, underscores the intense development and investment in the rally-raid discipline.

Despite the formidable competition, Sainz Sr.’s objective for the 2026 Dakar Rally remains unequivocal. "But our goal is clear: when you’ve won four times, you can only have one thing in mind – to win it again," he asserted. This statement reflects the unwavering ambition that has defined his career, both in the World Rally Championship, where he secured two titles, and in the Dakar. His journey through various manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Peugeot, MINI, and Audi, before joining Ford, illustrates his adaptability and relentless pursuit of competitive advantage. Each move has been aimed at aligning with the best available machinery and engineering support to contend for victory.

The 2026 Dakar Rally is poised to be a captivating spectacle, combining the experience of seasoned champions like Carlos Sainz Sr. with the raw speed of a new generation of contenders. The father-son exchange, with Carlos Sainz Jr.’s public show of support, adds a poignant human element to the professional rivalry, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Sainz name in global motorsport. As the countdown to January 3, 2026, begins, all eyes will be on Saudi Arabia, anticipating whether "El Matador" can once again defy age and a burgeoning field of competitors to claim an unprecedented fifth title.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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