Carlos Sainz, often referred to as Carlos Sainz Jr., is a Spanish Formula One driver born on September 1, 1994, in Madrid, Spain. Known for his smooth driving style and competitive spirit, he currently races for the Williams F1 Team, having previously driven for teams like Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari. Sainz comes from a motorsport family, carrying forward a legacy shaped by his father’s illustrious career in rally racing.
His full name, Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro, reflects his deep Spanish roots, and his journey from karting to Formula One has established him as one of Spain’s prominent racing talents. With four Grand Prix victories and 27 podiums as of April 2025, Sainz Jr. has carved his own path in the high-octane world of Formula One.
Carlos Sainz parents
Carlos was born to Carlos Sainz Sr. and Reyes Vázquez de Castro, a couple whose support and influence have been pivotal in his career. Carlos Sainz Sr., born on April 12, 1962, in Madrid, is a motorsport legend, widely regarded as one of the greatest rally drivers in history. Nicknamed “El Matador,” Sainz Sr. transitioned from a multi-sport background, including football and squash, to become a two-time World Rally Championship (WRC) winner.
His wife, Reyes Vázquez de Castro, has been a steadfast pillar of support, managing family responsibilities during Sainz Sr.’s demanding racing career. Married since 1992, Reyes prioritized raising their three children—Carlos Jr., Blanca, and Ana—while fostering a close-knit family environment. Though not directly involved in motorsport, Reyes has been a constant presence at races, cheering for her son and husband. Her nurturing role complemented Sainz Sr.’s mentorship, guiding Carlos Jr. from karting to the pinnacle of motorsport.
Career
Sainz Jr. is a prominent Formula 1 driver currently racing for Williams, carrying forward the legacy of his father, a two-time World Rally Champion. His journey into motorsport began with karting in 2006, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning the Asia-Pacific KF3 title and the Junior Monaco Kart Cup in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Inspired by his father and Spanish F1 star Fernando Alonso, Sainz transitioned to single-seater racing in 2010, joining the Red Bull Junior Team and competing in Formula BMW Europe, where he secured a victory at Silverstone and finished fourth overall. His early career saw steady progress through junior formulae, including a championship win in the 2011 Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup with Koiranen Motorsport and a runner-up finish in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. In 2012, he raced in both British and European Formula 3 championships with Carlin, achieving notable results, including four wins in the British series. His success continued in the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series with DAMS, where he clinched the championship with seven victories, paving the way for his Formula 1 debut.
Sainz entered Formula 1 in 2015 with Toro Rosso, partnering with Max Verstappen in one of the youngest driver lineups in the sport’s history. His rookie season showcased his potential, with a ninth-place finish in his debut at the Australian Grand Prix and a strong qualifying performance, outpacing Verstappen over the season. Despite reliability issues, he scored points consistently and finished 15th in the Drivers’ Championship. Retained by Toro Rosso for 2016, Sainz improved, achieving a best result of sixth in three races and ending the season 12th overall with 46 points. In 2017, he continued with Toro Rosso before moving to Renault mid-season, replacing Jolyon Palmer. His stint at Renault saw a career-best fourth place at the Singapore Grand Prix, and he finished ninth in the championship. Joining McLaren in 2019 marked a turning point, as Sainz secured his first F1 podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix, finishing third after a penalty to Lewis Hamilton, and ended the season sixth with 96 points, McLaren’s highest driver finish since 2012. In 2020, he continued with McLaren, earning a second-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix and again finishing sixth in the championship with a career-high 105 points.
In 2021, Sainz joined Ferrari, replacing Sebastian Vettel and partnering with Charles Leclerc. His first season with the Scuderia was impressive, as he scored four podiums, including a second place in Monaco, and finished fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, outscoring Leclerc with 164.5 points to 159. The 2022 season saw Sainz achieve his maiden F1 victory at the British Grand Prix, starting from his first pole position, and he added four more podiums to finish fifth again. In 2023, he secured a win at the Singapore Grand Prix, the only non-Red Bull victory of the season, demonstrating tactical brilliance by using DRS to hold off competitors. His 2024 season with Ferrari included wins in Australia and Mexico, bringing his career total to four Grand Prix victories. As of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Sainz has amassed four race wins, six pole positions, four fastest laps, and 27 podiums in Formula 1. After leaving Ferrari at the end of 2024, he joined Williams, where he is contracted until at least 2026, continuing to build on his reputation as a consistent and tenacious driver, nicknamed “Chilli” for his spirited racing style.
Accolades
Sainz’s career is marked by his ability to perform under pressure and adapt to competitive machinery. His time at Ferrari saw him establish himself as a regular front-runner, with notable performances like his strategic masterclass in Singapore and his ability to extract the maximum from his car, even when it was not the fastest on the grid. Off the track, Sainz remains composed, handling the weight of his famous name with humility. He has also honored the memory of María de Villota, his former coach, by carrying a star on his helmet since her passing in 2013 and serving as an ambassador for her legacy since 2016.
With a net worth estimated at around $50 million, bolstered by a Ferrari salary of approximately $10 million annually and endorsements from brands like Estrella Galicia and PlayStation, Sainz has solidified his status as one of F1’s top talents. His car collection, including high-end models like the McLaren 720S and Ferrari 812 Competizione, reflects his success.