Three-time Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz has long been regarded as one of the most consistent and skilled drivers on the modern Formula 1 grid. As the ongoing 2024 season takes a pause, Sainz has offered fans a glimpse into his motorsport journey, sharing the names of the legendary figures who inspired him.
Sainz’s fascination with Formula 1 began at a young age. Growing up, he closely followed the sport, admiring the battles between some of the most iconic names in F1 history. Speaking on his idols, Sainz reminisced about watching Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi Raikkonen during the golden era of F1 in the early 2000s.
“Watching Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi battle back in the 2000s… that golden era, I think, was incredible for F1,” Sainz said. “Just seeing them, they were my idols when I was 10 years old when they were fighting for championships.”
Sainz, now 30, has carved out his own legacy in F1, but he remains in awe of his childhood heroes. Schumacher and Raikkonen have retired, but the ever-resilient Alonso continues to compete at an elite level, even at the age of 43.
While Sainz grew up watching legends, his own career in F1 has seen him work alongside several teammates, each leaving an impact on him. However, Sainz singles out one former teammate as a particularly close friend—Lando Norris, with whom he shared two seasons at McLaren before making the switch to Ferrari in 2021.
“Friend is a strong word that I don’t like using for anything or anyone,” Sainz explained. “But my best relationship in the paddock is still with Lando Norris, and also with some of my engineers—Tom Stallard and Ricky Adami—I have really good relationships with them.”
Looking ahead, Sainz is gearing up for a new chapter in his career as he prepares to join the Williams F1 team in 2025. The move comes after a high-profile stint with Ferrari, and he will now share the garage with Alex Albon, marking the first time the two drivers will be teammates.
Both Sainz and Albon have earned reputations as formidable drivers, and their partnership at an ever-improving Williams team is one to watch. As Williams continues its upward trajectory, the dynamic between these two talented drivers could prove pivotal in the team’s resurgence.
With Sainz’s experience and Albon’s raw talent, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Williams, as they look to make strides in a fiercely competitive F1 landscape.
