Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz are seen on Stage 3 of the Rally Du Maroc 2024 in Mengoub, Morocco on October 9, 2024.
Carlos Sainz is seen at the finish line of the Rally Du Maroc 2024 in Mengoub, Morocco on October 11, 2024.

Carlos
Sainz

Spain

Spain

·

Rally Raid

Known as 'El Matador', veteran driver Carlos Sainz is a WRC winner and now four-time Dakar Rally champion, making him Spain's greatest ever off-road racer.

Date of birth

12 April 1962

Place of birth

Madrid

Age

63

Nationality

Spain

Spain

Career start

1980

Disciplines

Rally Raid Car

‘El Matador’, as he's known, was twice crowned WRC World Champion, taking the title for Toyota in 1990 and 1992, and was runner-up a further four times.

As well as supporting his son Carlos Sainz Jr. in his racing career, he is also an avid football fan. Carlos has been occasionally linked with senior office at Real Madrid and once stood for the position of vice-president at his favourite club.