Red Bull star ruled OUT of 2025 race in.......

Red Bull star ruled OUT of 2025 race in…….read more

Carlos Sainz Sr., a legendary figure in motorsports, has been ruled out of the 2025 Dakar Rally following a shock elimination. The 63-year-old Spanish driver, who joined Ford for their 2025 Dakar program, was previously linked with Red Bull in various capacities. Sainz Sr. is widely known for his success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where he won two titles in 1990 and 1992, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s greats. Although retired from WRC, Sainz Sr. has been a regular competitor in the Dakar Rally since 2006, and in 2024, he secured his fourth Dakar win with Audi.

The 2025 Dakar Rally was set to be Sainz Sr.’s 19th appearance in the prestigious event. However, during Stage 2 of this year’s race, disaster struck. Sainz Sr. was involved in a crash where his car rolled over and landed on its roof. While the Spanish veteran managed to finish the stage despite the incident, an inspection by the FIA revealed significant damage to the car’s roll cage, rendering it unfit for further competition. As per FIA regulations, the damage to the vehicle’s safety structure meant that Sainz Sr. could not continue in the race.

Ford, Sainz Sr.’s team, confirmed the unfortunate news in a statement. They explained that the crash caused irreversible damage to the safety cage of their car, specifically to vehicle number 225, which Sainz Sr. was driving with co-driver Lucas Cruz. According to Ford, no repairs could be made to this critical component, and as a result, the decision was made to withdraw the vehicle from the remainder of the rally.

This development is a major setback for Ford, especially since this is their first full-fledged year in the Dakar Rally. Sainz Sr.’s team-mate, Nani Roma, had already been eliminated earlier in the event, further diminishing Ford’s chances in the race. Ford had high hopes for this year’s Dakar, with the two renowned drivers leading the charge for the brand. However, with both of their leading contenders now out of the race, the team will face significant challenges in their pursuit of success in the rally.

The withdrawal of Sainz Sr. from the 2025 Dakar Rally not only marks the end of his participation in this year’s event but also casts doubt on the future of Ford’s ambitions in the competition. Sainz Sr.’s wealth of experience and success in endurance racing had been a key factor in their campaign, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a void. It remains to be seen how Ford will adapt to the loss of their star driver and what steps they will take moving forward in the 2025 rally.