| Car Number | #55 |
| Team | Williams |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Born | September 1, 1994 - Madrid, Spain |
| Age | 31 |
2026 Season Stats
Career Stats
Biography
Carlos Sainz Vazquez de Castro is a Spanish Formula 1 driver whose career has been defined by his ability to thrive wherever he goes, despite rarely having the fastest car on the grid. Born on September 1, 1994 in Madrid, Sainz is the son of rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr., a two-time World Rally Champion. Growing up in a motorsport household gave the younger Sainz an intimate understanding of racing from his earliest years.
Sainz made his F1 debut alongside Max Verstappen at Toro Rosso in 2015, beginning a career that would see him race for five different teams. After spells at Toro Rosso, Renault, and McLaren, Sainz joined Ferrari for 2021 and quickly established himself as a genuine frontrunner. He won his first Grand Prix at the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone and added further victories during his time at Maranello, including a remarkable win at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix just weeks after undergoing appendicitis surgery.
When Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was confirmed for 2025, Sainz found himself without a seat at the top team he had helped build into a championship contender. After considering several options, he chose Williams for 2026, believing in the team's long-term project backed by the Dorilton Capital investment. The move was a step back in terms of immediate competitiveness, but Sainz saw an opportunity to be the experienced leader who helps transform a midfield team into a frontrunner.
With 2 points after three rounds of the 2026 championship, the Williams is not yet where Sainz or the team want it to be. However, his feedback and development work are highly valued, and his experience from driving for multiple competitive teams gives him a unique perspective. At 31, Sainz remains hungry and motivated, and his proven ability to win races means that a more competitive Williams could produce spectacular results.
Interesting Facts
- Son of two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr.
- Won the 2024 Australian Grand Prix just weeks after emergency appendicitis surgery
- Has raced for five different F1 teams - Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams
- Won his maiden Grand Prix at the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone
- An avid golfer and padel tennis player in his spare time
- Made his F1 debut alongside Max Verstappen - the pair were teammates at Toro Rosso in 2015