Breaking news:Carlos Sainz Sr. Flips Car During Gruelling…read more
Carlos Sainz Sr. Flips Car During Gruelling…read more
Carlos Sainz Sr., the legendary motorsport icon and father of Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz, experienced a major setback this weekend while competing in the 2025 Dakar Rally, a grueling test of endurance and skill. The veteran driver, who is no stranger to the intense challenges of the Dakar, was participating in the second stage of the rally when disaster struck. During the race, his Ford Raptor, which had been performing well up until that point, flipped onto its roof and tumbled into the unforgiving sand dunes.
The crash occurred on Sunday, throwing Sainz Sr. and his team into an immediate crisis. Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, it was a relief to report that neither Sainz nor his co-driver suffered any injuries. However, the car itself was not so fortunate. The Ford Raptor sustained significant damage in the crash, which required immediate repairs in order to continue the race. The team worked tirelessly, and within 20 minutes, Sainz Sr. was back on the road, albeit with a considerable time deficit.
The Dakar Rally is one of the most extreme motorsport events in the world, testing the limits of both man and machine. Taking place over several days in harsh conditions, the rally includes everything from treacherous sand dunes to rocky mountain paths. The 2025 edition marks the beginning of the FIA World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC), a series that has quickly become a focal point for off-road racing enthusiasts worldwide. For Sainz Sr., who has an illustrious history in the event, this year’s race is particularly significant as he competes with Ford M-Sport, after previously achieving remarkable success with Audi.
Sainz Sr.’s Dakar career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having won the rally a total of four times, he is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers in the event’s history. His first victory came in 2010, followed by subsequent wins in 2018 and 2020. Most impressively, in 2024, at the age of 61, Sainz made history by becoming the oldest driver ever to win the Dakar Rally, a feat that further cemented his legendary status in motorsport.
This year, Sainz Sr. is part of a four-driver team representing Ford M-Sport in the Dakar Rally. The team also includes experienced drivers such as Nani Roma, Mattias Ekström, and Mitch Guthrie Jr. Despite the crash, Sainz Sr. remained determined to push on and make up for lost time. He had started the second test of the 2025 rally in a solid eighth place, and the setback threatened to derail his progress in what is one of the most competitive fields in recent years.
The Dakar Rally is famous for its unpredictable nature, with racers often facing both mechanical failures and accidents as part of the demanding course. However, the resilience and adaptability required to overcome these obstacles are what set the best drivers apart. For Sainz Sr., his experience and mental toughness will be key as he seeks to recover from this early setback and maintain his position in the rally.
Despite the crash and the time loss, Sainz Sr. was determined
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