Carlos Sainz says driving his famous father’s Ford Dakar Raptor is one of the greatest experiences of his life. During Formula 1’s summer break, the Williams driver travelled to Zaragoza San Gregorio military base to join four-time Dakar winner, Carlos Sainz Sr, at a Ford test.
“It’s like we did a year ago at Ferrari, but with the roles reversed. First, I’ll be his co-driver, and then the other way around,” Sainz Jr (31) explained in a Ford Racing YouTube video (watch in full below) …
SAINZ FORD DAKAR RAPTOR
Sitting alongside his father, Sainz Jr quickly realised the challenge. “Papa, be careful!” he screeched multiple times. The Williams driver admitted: “I was suffering. It’s a crazy experience, like a huge rollercoaster. It feels like the last lap of your life. Being a co-driver in these things is tough – it’s claustrophobic. And they say an F1 car is small,” explained Sainz Jr.
After swapping seats, the younger Sainz soon revelled in the Ford Dakar Raptor T1. “The car gives you a lot of confidence, I loved it, it’s a lot of fun. It’s one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. I didn’t expect it to be so wild. One of the best experiences of my life, along with the first time I tried an F1 car,” Sainz Jr admitted.
MY FATHER IS COMPLETELY CRAZY
He reserved special praise for his 63-year-old father. “He’s a monster, completely crazy. That he’s still doing this at 63 blows my mind. I already admired him, but after this even more. I’ve already spoken with my father that I might one day take on the Dakar. I see myself trying,” concluded Sainz.
