Carlos Sainz Jr., born Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro, is a Spanish racing driver currently competing in Formula One for Scuderia Ferrari.
He began his F1 career with Toro Rosso in 2015, later racing for Renault and McLaren before joining Ferrari in 2021.
Sainz has shown his talent by achieving multiple podium finishes and securing his first F1 win at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
He is the son of Carlos Sainz Sr., a double World Rally Champion, and has made a name for himself in the racing world with his skill and determination.
| Net worth | $50 million |
| Profession | Racing driver |
| Date of birth | September 1, 1994 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
Background and early life
Sainz, born September 1, 1994, in Madrid, Spain, began his racing career in karting, winning the Asia-Pacific KF3 title in 2008.
He later competed in various racing series, including Formula Renault 3.5, British Formula 3 and GP3 Series, showcasing his talent and determination.
Sainz made his Formula One debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso, alongside Max Verstappen, before moving on to Renault, McLaren and eventually Ferrari.
He is the son of Carlos Sainz Sr., a renowned double World Rally Champion, and has successfully carved his path in the racing world, earning multiple podium finishes and his first F1 win at the 2022 British Grand Prix.
Sainz’s racing journey reflects his passion for the sport and the influence of his father’s legacy on his career.
Net worth
Sainz has a net worth of $50 million, making him one of the wealthiest Formula One drivers.
His salary at Ferrari is reported to be around £12 million, positioning him as one of the highest-paid drivers on the grid.
Salary and contracts
Sainz earns a substantial salary as a Formula One driver although his earnings vary across different seasons and teams.
For instance, while driving for Ferrari in Formula 1, Sainz earns £9,720,000 per year.
During his time with McLaren, he signed a 3-year contract worth $9,900,000, with an average salary of $3,300,000 per year.
Additionally, in 2024, his salary is reported to be £11,110,231 annually.
These figures highlight the significant financial rewards associated with Sainz’s career in Formula One, reflecting his skill and value as a driver.
Schuberth partnership
Sainz has a significant partnership with Schuberth, a renowned helmet manufacturer.
This collaboration is evident through the production of various helmet models, including the Carlos Sainz 2021 Ferrari helmet and the Carlos Sainz Scuderia Ferrari mini helmet for the 2021 season.
These helmets, produced at a scale of 1:2, reflect Sainz’s association with Schuberth and his representation in Formula 1 racing.
The Schuberth deal not only showcases Sainz’s commitment to safety and performance on the track but also highlights his presence in the motorsport merchandise market.
Estrella Galicia deal
Sainz has had a longstanding partnership with Estrella Galicia, a Spanish beer brand.
Estrella Galicia has been associated with Sainz since his GP3 days in 2013, supporting him throughout his career in Formula 1.
The brand initially sponsored Sainz when he was with Toro Rosso and continued its partnership with him through his team transitions, including Renault and McLaren.
In 2021, Estrella Galicia followed Sainz to Ferrari, becoming the Scuderia’s official beer partner.
However, due to a change in Ferrari’s sponsorship strategy, Estrella Galicia had to part ways with the team, leading to its return to McLaren as the Woking outfit’s official beer partner.
This move signifies the dynamic nature of sponsorships in Formula 1 and the importance of aligning with the right brands to support drivers like Sainz.
PlayStation collaboration
Sainz has a significant partnership with Sony’s PlayStation, a renowned gaming console brand.
This collaboration involves multiple endorsements and appearances in advertisements for PlayStation, especially during the release of F1 games on the console.
Sainz has been a prominent figure in PlayStation’s marketing campaigns in Spain, showcasing his association with the gaming industry.
Notably, there is a limited-edition PlayStation console based on Sainz and his career, highlighting the depth of his involvement with the brand.
Beyond gaming, his partnership with PlayStation underscores his diverse commercial engagements and brand representation beyond the realm of motorsport.
Car collection
Sainz has an impressive car collection that reflects his passion for luxury and high-performance vehicles.
His collection includes a McLaren 720S valued at around $1 million, a Ferrari 812 Competizione worth upwards of $450,000, a Ferrari Roma valued at around $680,000, a McLaren 600LT Spyder, a Bentley Continental GT and a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT.
Sainz’s collection showcases his appreciation for top-tier automobiles from renowned manufacturers like McLaren and Ferrari, highlighting his success and taste for luxury in the world of motorsport.
Real estate properties
Sainz has invested in real estate, owning properties in Spain and Italy.
In Spain, he has a luxurious penthouse in Madrid, showcasing his taste for high-end living.
Additionally, he owns a contemporary-styled house in Sassuolo, Italy, purchased in 2021.
This Italian property features a spacious garage accommodating his car collection, a pool for relaxation, and a garden for hosting gatherings, reflecting his affinity for cars and leisure.
Sainz’s real estate investments complement his successful racing career and lifestyle, emphasizing his financial acumen and penchant for luxury living.
Early career
Sainz began his racing career in karting, showcasing his talent and passion for motorsport.
He later progressed through various racing series, including Formula Renault 3.5, British Formula 3 and GP3 Series, before making his mark in Formula One.
Sainz’s early career highlights his dedication to racing and his ability to excel in different racing categories, laying the foundation for his successful journey to becoming a prominent figure in the world of motorsport.
Breakthrough
Sainz’s breakthrough moment in his racing career came in 2015 when he made his Formula One debut with the Scuderia Toro Rosso team, now known as AlphaTauri.
This marked a significant milestone for Sainz as he transitioned from various racing series to the highly competitive world of Formula One, showcasing his talent and determination on the global stage of motorsport.
Euro Series and British Formula 3 championships
Sainz competed in the Euro Series and British Formula 3 championships during his racing career.
In 2012, he made his debut in the British Formula 3 championship with Carlin, where he achieved success by winning races and showcasing his talent in challenging conditions, such as a wet race at Monza.
Sainz also participated in the Euro Series, demonstrating his versatility by racing in multiple series simultaneously.
His performance in these championships helped solidify his reputation as a skilled and adaptable driver, paving the way for his future success in motorsport.
Formula Renault 3.5
Sainz competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2014, driving for DAMS.
He had a remarkable season, winning the championship title with seven race wins.
Sainz’s victory came after his rival Roberto Merhi retired in the penultimate race of the season, securing his position as the champion.
This achievement marked a significant milestone for Sainz as he became the first Red Bull Junior Team driver to win the Formula Renault 3.5 Series championship.
His success in this series highlighted his exceptional talent and skill as a driver, setting the stage for his future accomplishments in motorsport.
Carlos Sainz Jr. Formula One debut
Sainz made his Formula One debut in the 2015 season with Scuderia Toro Rosso.
His first race was the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, where he qualified in the 8th grid position and finished the race in 9th place.
Sainz entered F1 alongside Max Verstappen, showcasing his talent and determination in his inaugural season despite facing seven retirements.
By the end of the 2015 season, he secured 15th place with 18 points, laying the foundation for his successful career in Formula One.
McLaren stint
Sainz’s McLaren stint was marked by significant achievements and growth in his Formula 1 career.
Joining McLaren in 2019, he played a pivotal role in helping the team secure 4th place in the Constructors’ Championship that year, their best finish since 2012.
In 2020, he achieved a remarkable 2nd place at the Italian Grand Prix, contributing to McLaren’s 3rd place in the Constructors’ standings.
Sainz’s tenure at McLaren was characterized by consistent performances, highlighted by his strong partnership with teammate Lando Norris.
His final season with McLaren in 2020 saw him secure a career-best 105 points, finishing 6th in the Drivers’ Championship.
Sainz’s time at McLaren was instrumental in showcasing his talent and securing his move to Ferrari for the 2021 season.
Moving to Ferrari
Sainz’s move to Ferrari was a significant development in his Formula 1 career.
After his successful stint with McLaren, Sainz joined Ferrari for the 2021 season, replacing Sebastian Vettel.
His move to Ferrari marked a crucial step in his career progression, transitioning to one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1.
Despite facing challenges during his time at Ferrari, including the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Sainz’s tenure with the team showcased his talent and determination on the track.
The move to Ferrari not only elevated Sainz’s profile in the sport but also presented him with new opportunities and experiences within the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Notable races
Sainz has had several notable races throughout his career in Formula One. In the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, he achieved his maiden Formula One podium finish, securing third place.
This race showcased his skill and competitiveness on the track.
Another significant race was the 2022 British Grand Prix, where Sainz achieved his first Formula One pole position and career win, marking a pivotal moment in his racing journey.
Additionally, at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, Sainz secured his second Formula One win after starting on pole position for the fifth time in his career, demonstrating his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
These races highlight Sainz’s talent, determination, and success in the highly competitive world of Formula One racing.
Awards and accolades
Sainz has garnered recognition and accolades throughout his racing career.
Notably, in 2023, he secured his first Formula One win at the British Grand Prix, showcasing his talent and competitiveness on the track.
Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to achieve a win during the 2023 Formula 1 season, further solidifying his position as a top driver.
Additionally, ge has achieved multiple podium finishes, including third place at the Italian and United States Grands Prix in 2023.
These achievements highlight his skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure in the highly competitive world of Formula One racing.
Philanthropic efforts
Sainz is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to society.
His charitable work includes supporting various causes such as Juegaterapia, a charity project aimed at helping children during the lockdown.
Sainz’s involvement in charity actions extends to supporting circuits’ charitable initiatives, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the racetrack.
Through his foundation, Sainz contributes to supporting children in Spain by donating games consoles and tablets, emphasizing his focus on enhancing the lives of young individuals.
These philanthropic efforts highlight Sainz’s empathy, compassion, and desire to use his platform to make a difference in the lives of others.
Family
Sainz comes from a notable racing family. His father, Carlos Sainz Sr., is a renowned figure in motorsport, having excelled in rally racing and the Dakar Rally.
He has two sisters, Ana and Blanca, who have maintained relatively private lives.
Ana, with a degree in business management, recently married Rodrigo Fontcuberta, while Blanca married Guillermo Comenge.
Sainz’s cousin, Carlos Oñoro, serves as his manager and a key support in Formula 1.
The Sainz family values privacy but remains close-knit, with Sainz’s staying connected with his siblings and receiving support from his family in his racing career.
