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 FIA Clarifies Disqualification of Red Bull-Backed Rally Legends from 2025 Dakar Rally

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has officially addressed the disqualification of two top contenders from the 2025 Dakar Rally, shedding light on a controversial moment that shook the motorsport world. Rallying veterans Carlos Sainz Sr. and Sébastien Loeb—both considered favorites to win—were forced to withdraw in the early stages of the grueling off-road event following major crashes that compromised the safety structure of their vehicles.

Carlos Sainz Sr., a name synonymous with rally excellence, entered the 2025 Dakar Rally with high expectations. At 62 years old, he defied age and convention by clinching the 2024 Dakar title, adding a fourth trophy to his legendary résumé. Just before the 2025 edition, Sainz enjoyed a memorable moment when he got behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car at Fiorano alongside his son, Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. It was a symbolic gesture from the Ferrari team as a farewell tribute to the elder Sainz—an icon whose influence stretches across rallying and into the Formula 1 paddock.

However, the 2025 Dakar Rally proved far less celebratory. During Stage 2 of the rally, Sainz suffered a violent crash, rolling his Ford Raptor and causing significant damage to the vehicle. Despite the incident, he managed to complete the stage. But the damage was severe, particularly to the roll cage—a critical safety component that ensures the driver’s survival in such high-impact scenarios.

Similarly, nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb encountered his own misfortune during Stage 3. Loeb’s vehicle was also involved in a heavy accident that resulted in comparable structural damage. Both drivers, although eager to press on, were stopped in their tracks by officials enforcing strict FIA safety regulations.

Now, FIA’s cross-country rally director, Jérôme Roussel, has come forward to explain why the disqualifications were non-negotiable. Speaking to media representatives at the event, Roussel emphasized that the integrity of the roll cage is paramount to competitor safety—and that there are longstanding rules in place that prohibit damaged roll cages from being used in competition.

“It’s very simple,” Roussel explained. “As soon as a car has an accident during a stage, it must be inspected by the technical commissaries before any repairs are made. If the roll cage is found to be damaged, the car cannot continue—this has been a rule for decades in all FIA-sanctioned championships.”

While it may be technically possible to repair a damaged roll cage, Roussel pointed out that the process is far from straightforward, particularly given the remote and demanding nature of the Dakar Rally. “Repairing a roll cage in the field isn’t like changing a tire. To comply with regulations, the damaged section must be replaced with an identical component. Simply welding over the crack or reinforcing it with extra material doesn’t cut it—it has to be as it was homologated.”

This requirement ensures that the safety standards remain consistent for all competitors. In the cases of Sainz, Loeb, and another Red Bull-backed driver, Laia Sanz, the vehicles’ roll cages were no longer considered compliant with their original homologation specifications. As a result, all three entries were either withdrawn voluntarily or officially disqualified.

Roussel underscored the FIA’s position, stating, “Once a roll cage is compromised, it is no longer the same structure that was originally approved for safety. That’s why Carlos, Laia, and Seb were all pulled out of the race. It’s unfortunate, but we cannot make exceptions when it comes to driver safety.”

The decision, while disappointing for fans and the drivers alike, highlights the relentless nature of cross-country rally racing. It also reinforces the FIA’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety—even when it means sidelining some of the sport’s biggest names.

For Carlos Sainz Sr., the abrupt end to his title defense may sting, especially after coming into the race with such high hopes and recent accolades. Yet his legacy remains intact. His 2024 victory, combined with his trailblazing career, continues to inspire a new generation of rally and motorsport enthusiasts.

As for Loeb, the setback is yet another chapter in a career that has seen both triumph and adversity. Whether he returns for another shot at Dakar glory remains to be seen, but if history is any indication, the Frenchman is unlikely to bow out quietly.

In the end, the 2025 Dakar Rally reminded everyone why it’s one of the toughest and most unforgiving motorsport events in the world. And for the FIA, the message was clear: safety comes first—no matter who’s behind the wheel.