“This Isn’t Formula 1!”: Carlos Sainz Once Had a Shaking Driving Experience With His Rally Car Champ Father

Carlos Sainz is proving his racing potential in F1, driving for one of the most sought-after teams out there. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr., on the other hand, has already made a name for himself in the world of racing, winning multiple titles in rally racing. To this day, as a 60-year-old, the senior Spaniard refuses to hang up his helmet. What is heartening to see is that he hasn’t lost touch at all. How good is he still? Good enough to knock the winds out of his son’s sails, who begged him to brake multiple times while sitting in the passenger’s seat when he drove.

It was only last month that Sainz Sr. took part in Dakar Rally 2023. The outing did not go as planned as he suffered a mechanical failure and had to get out to fix the car. All this while, Jr. was keeping an eye on his papa from up above in a chopper. As he saw him fixing the car, he came down to lend a helping hand. However, he stayed away from actively participating in any fixing, given the rules that prohibit any outside help. Nevertheless, he almost landed his father in trouble with the FIA.

Given their mutual love for racing, it is no surprise that they love to bond over fast cars. But surely, being in the passenger’s seat is neither of their cup of tea. In a short video uploaded by Red Bull Motorsports on their official YouTube channel, Jr. took the first turn to drive a Ferrari supercar on a racetrack. While he went into the full send mode, Sr. exclaimed, “Careful, this isn’t Formula 1!” 

Carlos had a hearty laugh, watching his father hurt his hand after clenching the doorhandle too tight. However, when it was Sainz Sr.’s turn to get behind the wheel, it wasn’t as good an experience for the F1 racer anymore. He kept begging his father to slow down and brake multiple times, but to no avail. “Oh, Sh*t! Careful with the fast one, papa!” he went when they approached a fast curve.

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The mechanical failure at the Dakar Rally wasn’t the only disappointing incident for Sainz Sr. that day. He had a horrific crash that left him with multiple fractures.

Carlos Sainz Sr. gave his fans an update on his health

After the crash, Sainz was airlifted to get him to a hospital. However, midway into the flight, he asked the pilot to turn back around and return to the race site.

Later, giving an update on his health to his worried fans through Twitter, Sr. wrote, “On my return to Madrid from the Dakar Rally, the back pain I suffered after the incident of this year’s event persisted longer than usual. Following medical advice, I underwent further checks to assess in detail the extent of the injury.”

“Unfortunately, the results haven’t brought good news because I fractured the T5 and T6 vertebrae. The good thing is that both vertebrae are stable and from this day on my priority will be to recover as soon as possible.”

“Thank you all for the love and support I have received over the last days. I will keep you updated.”

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All his fans, including his son, wished him the best of recovery through their wonderful messages.