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FIA Explains Disqualification of Carlos Sainz Sr. and Sebastien Loeb from 2025 Dakar Rally
The FIA has issued an official statement explaining the disqualification of two high-profile competitors, including Red Bull’s Carlos Sainz Sr., from the 2025 Dakar Rally. Sainz Sr., a motorsport legend and reigning champion, was forced to withdraw following an accident in the second stage of the event. Similarly, nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb faced disqualification after a crash in stage three.
Sainz, 62, entered the 2025 Dakar Rally with high hopes of defending his title, having claimed his fourth Dakar victory in 2024. That win had made him the oldest winner in the rally’s history, cementing his legacy alongside his two World Rally Championship titles. Sainz’s illustrious career also recently included a special moment with his son, Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. The pair drove a Ferrari F1 car together as a farewell gift from the team to Sainz Jr., who has since been replaced by Lewis Hamilton.
Despite his wealth of experience, Sainz’s 2025 Dakar campaign came to a premature end when his Ford Raptor rolled over during the second stage of the grueling event. Although he managed to complete the stage, the car’s roll cage sustained significant damage. According to the FIA’s regulations, this rendered the vehicle unsafe to continue.
Speaking to the media, Jerome Rousel, the FIA’s cross-country director, clarified the reasons behind the disqualifications. “It’s very simple. As soon as a car has an accident during a stage, it must be inspected by the commissaries before repairs are made,” Rousel explained. “If the roll cage is damaged, the rules are clear. For decades, it has been the same in all championships: a damaged roll cage means the car cannot continue.”
The FIA’s rules regarding roll cages prioritize safety. Rousel noted that while it is theoretically possible to repair a damaged roll cage, doing so in a remote rally environment is highly challenging. “Repairing a chassis like that involves replacing the damaged tube with an identical one. Adding material or welding over a crack is not allowed,” he said.
Sainz was not the only competitor affected by this regulation. Sebastien Loeb, another motorsport icon, faced disqualification for similar reasons after an accident in stage three. Loeb and other affected drivers, including Laia Sanz, were withdrawn from the event due to the same issue: irreparable damage to their vehicles’ roll cages.
Rousel emphasized that a damaged roll cage compromises the structural integrity of a car, making it non-compliant with the homologation standards set for safety. “Once the roll cage is damaged, it is no longer identical to the homologated version, so the car cannot continue,” he stated.
The disqualification of Sainz and Loeb has highlighted the unforgiving nature of the Dakar Rally and the importance of stringent safety regulations. While the incident marks a disappointing end to Sainz’s title defense, it underscores the FIA’s commitment to prioritizing competitor safety in one of motorsport’s most challenging events.
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