Sainz praises dad’s ‘smart’ victory in 2024 Dakar Rally

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz celebrates his father’s recent victory in the famous Dakar Rally.

It was former World Rally Champion Sainz Sr’s 17th appearance. Although he did not lead any of the 12 stages, it was consistency rather than speed that gave him the overall victory.

“He had to race hard to win, but he was smarter than everyone else and ran the race as well as he could,” Sainz Jr. said.

“He did the smartest Dakar I’ve ever seen in my life,” he added. “He was completely successful and showed that he has experience.

“After all, the Dakar is an endurance race and he likes racing, so I asked him not to race [hard] every day,” he said.

He smiled and said, “2024 is off to a good start.” “Now we have to save it for the Sainz family!”

Sainz traveled to Saudi Arabia to take part in the victory celebration at the Audi Yanbu campsite.

“Not just me, but his closest friends and everyone who loves him and supports him every moment is here,” Sainz Jr. said. “The pride of a father and a husband is something no one can imagine.”

Sainz was fortunate to return to the sport this year after breaking several vertebrae in a crash in last year’s race.

This year’s event has been reorganized, including the addition of a two-day stage in the Empty Quarter. “It was a very long Dakar,” admitted Sainz Jr. – A very tough Dakar with different terrain, all the stages, 48-hour stages and new stages like the marathon.

“A lot happened and he was able to handle it all. He did his best even when it mattered most. “That shows it was very well prepared and motivated and they did a good job.”

“It was a very ambitious project for Audi, but the third time was the charm,” he added. “They did a good job and drove both the Audi and the Dakar perfectly. They deserved it because they ran an impressive race from day one.”

As it happens, Sainz Jr. has been linked with a future role at Audi when the German manufacturer completes its purchase of Sauber in 2026.