Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. was astonished after testing his father Carlos Sainz Sr.’s powerhouse Ford Raptor T1+ at a test held in Zaragoza. The younger Sainz praised his father’s relentless passion, describing the veteran Spaniard as “completely mad” for still competing with such a formidable rally car at 63 years old, underlining the thrill and intensity of the Carlos Sainz Dakar Rally legacy.
The Rally Heritage Behind Carlos Sainz Sr.’s Enduring Career
Carlos Sainz Sr. boasts an extraordinary career in rallying, having clinched the World Rally Championship drivers’ title twice and securing four Dakar Rally victories. Despite his age, 63, the Spaniard remains deeply involved in various rally events, demonstrating remarkable skill and endurance. This commitment showcases his ongoing dedication to motorsports at the highest levels.
Recently, during a testing session in Zaragoza, Carlos Sainz Jr. visited his father to observe him behind the wheel of the Ford Raptor T1+. The younger Sainz, a Williams Formula 1 driver, captured the entire experience for his YouTube channel, sharing insights into the raw power and challenge of driving this rally machine.
Carlos Sainz Jr. Reacts to Driving the Ford Raptor T1+
After taking the rally car for a drive, Carlos Sainz Jr. expressed profound admiration for the vehicle’s ferocity and capabilities. He described the experience as one of the most thrilling of his life, emphasizing how unlike anything he had expected the car’s speed and roughness were. Sainz Jr. commented on both the vehicle and his father’s remarkable stamina and skill:
“I didn’t expect it to be so rough, so wild, so fast. [It was] top two or top three best experience of my life.”
— Carlos Sainz Jr., F1 Driver
“It’s how impressive these cars are, and it’s impressive how my dad is driving a monster. He’s completely mad, the fact that he still does this at 63 amazes me,”
— Carlos Sainz Jr., F1 Driver
Before driving, Sainz Jr. also experienced sitting alongside his father as a co-driver. This perspective left him feeling deeply stressed and scared, sparking an appreciation for the co-driver’s important role, often underappreciated in motorsports. He admitted to underestimating the difficulty of rally driving until facing it firsthand, challenging any preconceived notions gained from watching rallies on television.
Why Carlos Sainz Considers His Father’s Car Truly Exceptional
Reflecting on his time behind the wheel of the Ford Raptor T1+, Carlos Sainz Jr. hailed it as one of the finest race cars he has experienced in his career. He highlighted how the car instinctively urged him to push harder, providing immense confidence and an exhilarating driving sensation. His admiration extended to encouraging others to attempt the role of co-driver to fully grasp the dangers and skills involved in rallying.
“The car is amazing, it’s one of the best race cars I have ever driven. It gives you a lot of confidence, it’s almost asking you to push more,”
— Carlos Sainz Jr., F1 Driver
“My conclusion is that more people should try being your co-driver. Because then you understand what these guys do, which is crazy!”
— Carlos Sainz Jr., F1 Driver
Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Ongoing Formula 1 Season and Future Prospects
Currently ranking 12th in the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship, Carlos Sainz Jr. is experiencing a challenging yet promising season with Williams. He made headlines recently with his first podium finish for the British squad, securing third place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This milestone underscores his determination to amplify his performance while building on a diverse motorsport background deeply influenced by his father’s exceptional rally career.
The encounter with his father’s Dakar Rally car offers Sainz Jr. fresh motivation and insight into the demanding world of off-road endurance racing. As the son of a legendary rally driver, his exposure to this side of motorsports may inspire new dimensions in his own racing journey, highlighting the cross-discipline respect and passion within the Sainz family.
