Carlos Sainz Jr, surprise guest of the 2023 Dakar: “It’s a race that I sincerely appreciate”

Carlos Sainz Jr is indeed the only pilot of Formula 1 to spend their New Year's holidays at the heart of a car race. The representative of the Team Ferrari decided to spend a few days in the Saudi bivouac of Dakar Rally 2023, in order to support his father, Carlos Sainz Sr.

It must be believed that the 28-year-old son brought luck to the father of the family. For the first time in his life, the winner of the 2022 British Grand Prix made the trip to the rally-raid to follow the Audi Sport driver from a helicopter.

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“This is the first time that I put myself in the shoes of a Dakar follower, he declared to an audience of media present in Audi hospitality, including AUTOhebdo. I'm learning a lot of things about running, and I'm investigating a lot of topics concerning technique and the sporting aspect. »

A pleasure that never comes alone, the offspring witnessed the 42nd stage victory of the three-time Dakar winner, who took control of the event with a 10-second lead over Sébastien Loeb (BRX). “The discovery couldn't have gone better with the victory of my father, who told me how delighted he was to win the special. My mother is happy, my partner too, it's really a beautiful family day.

From left to right: Reyes Vázquez de Castro (wife of Carlos Sainz Sr and mother of Carlos Sainz Jr), Carlos Sainz Sr, Carlos Sainz Jr, Isabel Hernaez (partner of Carlos Sainz Jr). © DPPI / Julien Delfosse

I had never followed my father from a helicopter. I couldn't wait to see it, except once flying over the Audi, it had a flat tire! Seeing him stop and then get out of the car, I started to panic. I thought everything was over for him. I said to myself that it was better that we move away because I was giving him bad luck.

But I watched the wheel change, which only took two minutes. That reassured me and he got going again. You can imagine the bad time I had! I stayed with him in the end, and it was obvious that he was giving everything he had in reserve. He was incredible. It was a special moment to see him at work,” laughs Carlos Sainz Jr.

🇪🇸 The Sainz family, including Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, gathers at Sea Camp to congratulate "El Matador" after his stage victory at # Dakar2023 ! pic.twitter.com/XTVothO8nb

— Medhi Casaurang-Vergez (@MedhiCasaurang) January 1, 2023

Obviously only one question had to be asked of the crew member. Charles Leclerc in F1: does his arrival at the Dakar herald a commitment, this time as a driver? After all, track riders who take the plunge have already had success in the event, such as Jacky Ickx (winner in 1983). Other former stars like Henri Pescarolo and Jacques Laffite also tasted the desert in the 1980s.

" And why not, the Madrilenian responds with a smile. The Dakar is a race that I sincerely enjoy. At the moment, my life is way too busy with my Formula 1 commitments, but in the further future, you never know. I leave all possibilities open. » The Sainz family is unlikely to celebrate the entire New Year anytime soon...

Find it in AUTO issue 2333hebdo, on sale Monday evening digitally and Wednesday on newsstands, the complete interview with Carlos Sainz Jr at the 2023 Dakar.