Carlos Sainz Dakar Rally ambitions are center stage as the motorsport legend, now 63, returns to the Dakar Rally for a fresh challenge with Ford’s Raptor after claiming victory with Audi. As Sainz prepares to compete in the iconic race launching January 3 in Saudi Arabia, he credits his undiminished enjoyment and passion for racing as the driving forces behind his relentless pursuit of success.
Sainz’s Passion Powers His Dakar Comeback
Carlos Sainz Sr, a name synonymous with rally racing excellence, enters another season of the Dakar Rally, determined to show age is no barrier to top-tier performance. The four-time champion remains deeply motivated, revealing his main ingredient for continued success is sheer enjoyment of the sport. As he embarks on Ford’s ambitious factory-backed project, Sainz exudes the enthusiasm and energy that have defined his career.
“At this point in my career, I have to enjoy it. I know that at my age, if you don’t have fun in what you do anymore, you won’t be here. So I still have fun in what I do.” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
This philosophy underscores his renewed commitment, now with Ford, to tackle one of motorsport’s most grueling events once more.
Transition to Ford Raptor: Betting on New Success
Fresh from a 2024 triumph with Audi, Sainz sets his sights on another Dakar Rally win, this time piloting Ford’s Raptor. He views this shift not just as a new chapter, but an opportunity for monumental achievement, thanks to the team’s meticulous year-long preparation and the car’s promising capabilities.
“You prepare yourself, you prepare the car. Together with the team, you prepare for a whole year. And you know: you only get one chance a year.” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
The buildup to the Dakar brings with it anticipation and pressure, as Sainz describes the final days before the race as nearly twice as long, given the anticipation and intensity.
“When the date gets closer, it’s always nice, although those last days seem to go very slowly,” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
“It feels like they are 48-hour days instead of 24 hours. I wish the last days went by a little faster.” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
Belief in Ford’s Progress and Teammate Achievements
The racing legend also draws confidence from the rapid development of the Ford project and the performance of his teammate, Mattias Ekström, who delivered a podium finish in 2025 with the newly developed vehicle. Sainz emphasizes Ford’s continuous advancements and the strength they displayed right from the beginning.
“We already had a very solid car last year; we shouldn’t forget that,” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
“In our first year, we managed to get a podium finish with Mattias with a completely new car. That means the car was already at a very good level last year.” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
Targeted improvements to the Raptor, such as reducing weight, lowering the center of gravity, refining weight distribution, and ongoing suspension testing, reflect Sainz’s and the team’s drive for peak performance.
“We worked on the areas for improvement this year: reducing the weight to the minimum, lowering the center of gravity, a slightly better weight distribution, and, of course, further improving and continuing to test the suspension.” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
Sainz’s Philosophy on the Perfect Dakar Machine
Having represented four different manufacturers, Sainz’s vast experience gives him a rare and valuable perspective on what defines a winning Dakar vehicle. According to the champion driver, adaptability and driver comfort are critical, especially over the marathon stages of the race that test both car and crew to their limits.
“I like a car that obviously has to function in all types of conditions,” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
“A car that has to behave well on gravel tracks, be solid in the dunes, and also perform well in the high camel grass.” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
Sainz warns against prioritizing pure performance at the cost of comfort, highlighting that overly rigid setups can lead to fatigue and diminished results over the long, challenging stages.
“If you tune a car very stiff and only look at performance, I think after a few hours you start to lose weight and lose performance because the car is too stiff,” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
With variables like fuel load changes—sometimes reaching up to 450 pounds—finding a practical balance is vital for both speed and stamina.
“Sometimes you simply need a compromise,” – Carlos Sainz Sr, Dakar driver
A Legendary Figure Set for a New Showdown
As anticipation builds within the racing community, Carlos Sainz Sr stands poised to potentially add another remarkable feat to his Dakar legacy. With breakthroughs in Ford’s Raptor and lessons from his storied past, the champion symbolizes perseverance and adaptability. The 2025 Dakar Rally in the Saudi Arabian desert promises high drama, with competitors such as Sebastien Ogier and rising stars like Mattias Ekström all contributing to a fiercely competitive event. For Sainz, this race is not just about victory, but about proving that passion and determination can carry a legend to new heights. All eyes will be on him as the engines roar to life, signaling the start of another unforgettable Dakar adventure.
