Carlos Sainz, the Formula 1 star, is expanding his garage with an unexpected new addition—a Fiat Topolino electric microcar—highlighting his diverse car collection and personal interests beyond the racetrack. This surprising choice reflects Sainz’s evolving taste and his embrace of sustainable vehicles alongside his iconic high-performance cars.
A New Chapter with Williams and on the Roads
The 31-year-old Spanish driver recently joined Williams Racing, overcoming early challenges to finish the Formula 1 season on a high note with two podium appearances. These podiums were Williams’ first in nearly a decade, marking a significant milestone for both Sainz and the team. With his racing commitments in the international spotlight, Sainz often reflects on the cars that shape his life off track.
During an interview for Adam Hay-Nicholls’s “My Life in Cars,” Sainz delved into his personal automotive history and offered insight into new plans for his remarkable collection. He shared that his very first car, pride of place in his Madrid garage, was a gift from his parents on his 18th birthday:
“My first road car was a Golf GTi that my parents gifted me for my 18th birthday. I still have it. It remains my car when I’m in Madrid,”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
Unexpected Addition: Fiat Topolino for Monte Carlo
Beyond the high performance of Formula 1, Sainz’s latest move is to add a Fiat Topolino, an electric microcar, to his collection. He and his girlfriend, Rebecca Donaldson, plan to use this compact vehicle for their daily journeys in Monte Carlo. The Topolino, a modern take on the classic Fiat 500, is designed for eco-friendly city driving, making it an eye-catching choice for the winding, stylish streets of Monaco. This addition demonstrates Sainz’s openness to environmentally conscious driving without sacrificing flair or exclusivity.
Inside the Luxe Garage: Notable Models and Personal Touches
Sainz’s car collection showcases not only his passion for speed but also his appreciation for craftsmanship and customization. He fondly recalled driving a McLaren 720S during his time in the UK:
“The 720S is one of the most impressive cars I’ve ever driven. It was an incredible company car!”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
Sainz recounted how he could take the 720S for a spin whenever in Britain, though his recent switch to Williams means he no longer benefits from such company perks:
“I got to drive it whenever I was in the UK, which was a lot. Unfortunately I don’t have a company car these days, with Williams. That’s probably something I should have put in my contract.”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
Among his Ferraris, Sainz owns a Purosangue, which he uses for daily driving around Monaco. He notes that his partner, Rebecca Donaldson, often drives their cars as well:
“My girlfriend [Rebecca Donaldson] drives both when I’m not around. I tell her to be a bit more careful with the Purosangue. It’s important that I always have a car that can fit a bag of golf clubs as I’m mad about the game,”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
This hobby shapes his weekend routines in Monaco as well:
“My idea of the perfect Saturday or Sunday is morning coffee, jump in the car with my golf bag and drive to the course. In Monaco, it’s a really cool drive, the golf club is 900 metres at the top of the mountain.”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
The Collector’s Highlights: Tailor-Made Machines and Personal Symbolism
Sainz’s purchasing milestones include buying a Ferrari 812 Competizione in 2022 to celebrate his first paycheck with the Italian marque:
“The first time I bought a car with my own money was in 2022. The 812 Competizione came out, and my first Ferrari pay check had been cashed, so I said, right, I’m going to buy a Ferrari. It was the most beautiful car I’d ever seen.”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
His exclusive Ferrari lineup also features the Daytona SP3, currently valued at more than £4 million, and an SF90 XX Spider, worth £1.5 million. Uniquely, all of Sainz’s Ferraris are custom-built through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program, finished in cohesive signature themes:
“They’re all Tailor Made [Ferrari’s customisation department] in my colours, and they all have variations of the same details,”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
He describes these details as a blend of dark iron shades with slim red accents, and whimsical, personal touches hidden throughout:
“It’s like a dark iron colour, and they all have very thin red lines that go very well against the grey. On each car there’s a little red chilli hidden somewhere. ‘Little Chilli’ – that’s what my friends called me growing up. I also have my race number, 55, somewhere on the bodywork. And Smooth Operator written on the door sills, of course.”
– Carlos Sainz, F1 Driver.
Future Aspirations and the Significance of the Collection
Looking ahead, Sainz has set his sights on a dream model: the Ferrari F80, a goal that underlines his continuing love for extraordinary automobiles. The blend of high-performance Ferraris, memories from his Golf GTi, and the addition of a pint-sized electric Fiat Topolino all tell the story of a driver whose passion for cars spans both performance and personal meaning. With his unique cars and eco-friendly turn, Carlos Sainz’s car collection, much like his Formula 1 career, keeps fans and enthusiasts eager for what he will do—and drive—next.
