Carlos Sainz Senior rules out a family duo: "It wouldn't be very good for our relationship"

Four-time winner of the Rally Dakar and double world rally champion, Carlos Sainz Senior recently took his son Carlos Sainz Junior on board his Raptor for the final test of the season in Zaragoza ahead of the 2025 Rally Morocco and the 2026 Dakar Rally. A high-intensity ride for the driver of Formula 1, visibly torn between admiration and fear. Dad, be careful! " exclaimed the son, between two jolts, before joking: " You're crazy! " A little worried, the son wondered about his safety: " Where does your co-driver Lucas [Cruz] usually hang on? »

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An unlikely father-son partnership

This joint appearance quickly sparked speculation. Could we see the Sainzes forming a crew? The patriarch's response was swift. First, it wouldn't be very good for our relationship., the Madrilenian told the newspaper l'Team on the sidelines of the Rally of Morocco which takes place until October 17. Second, it wouldn't be good for my health. And finally, most importantly, I don't think I could perform as a co-driver at the required level. I have great admiration for co-drivers and I'm not capable of doing what they do. " A lucid admission from a man who, like his son, prefers to hold the wheel rather than sail.

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Carlos Sainz Jr. still far from Dakar level

Besides preserving their relationship, "El Matador" believes that his son still has a long way to go before he can hope to shine on the Dakar. “He controls the car very well, he has a good feeling, he is an exceptional driver, recognizes the father. I'm sure that with work, he can try to be very fast. But winning the Dakar is not easy. Today, it's no longer a question of endurance. If one day he wants to try it, he will have to do good tests, prepare well and gain a few years of experience. " insists the 63-year-old driver. While the talent and reflexes inherited from his father are beyond doubt, Carlos Sainz Jr. remains focused on the track rather than the dunes for the moment.

A year after his son allowed him to live the dream of driving a Ferrari at Maranello, it is Carlos Sainz Sr.'s turn to offer an immersion into his universe. "I think it was good for him. He was very surprised but he really enjoyed himself. I think we have a new ambassador for this sport."

Pending a possible reconversion of the pilot Williams, Sainz Sr. is focusing on the Rally of Morocco while his son will take the wheel again this weekend on the Circuit of the Americas in parallel.