A saddening news hit Spanish giant Real Madrid on Wednesday. The club mourns the loss of Antonio Sainz Rebollo. Antonio was the father to Carlos Sainz Sr. and grandfather of F1 superstar Carlos Sainz who drives for Ferrari.

The father of a two-time world rally champion dies at 97. Antonio was a successful Spanish businessman who never had a special fondness for motorsport like his son and grandson. However, when he bought a Renault car for Carlos Sainz Sr., things changed. Antonio developed an interest in motorsport. Antonio was transcendental in the success of his son, who touched new heights in motorsport.

Real Madrid laments the loss of Carlos Sainz

As the news emerged, Real Madrid soon released an official statement. It read, “Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors deeply lament the passing of Antonio Sainz Rebollo, the father of our honorary member Carlos Sainz Sr. and the grandfather of Carlos Sainz, and they wish to send their condolences and affection to his family and loved ones.”

Real Madrid named Carlos Sainz Sr. as an honorary member in March 2021. His legendary status in motorsport earned him the honorary membership of the club. The three-time Dakar Rally winner is an ardent Los Blancos fan and was named an honorary member alongside Luka Doncic. With this, Carlos Sainz Sr. joined the list of sporting legends that included Paco Gento, Rafa Nadal, Sergio Garcia, and Fernando Alonso.

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The fans of the Ferrari driver sent their condolences for the loss.

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Let us join thousands to condole the Sainz family for their enormous loss.