“Carlos Sainz says he treats rivals as cars, not personalities, once he puts on his helmet.”
How He Keeps Clutch and Friendship Separate
In a recent people‑magazine interview, the 31‑year‑old revealed that he masks all personal attachment when racing. “When I strap in, I want to beat whoever is in front of me – Lando, Alex, Charles – and I only see the front‑end of a Ferrari or a McLaren.”
Friend Do‑of‑the‑Track Gear
Sainz spent several seasons teammates with Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Alex Albon. Though he has a longstanding friendship with Norris, now called “Carlando,” that bond does little to affect his on‑track tactics. Off the helmet, perceptions shift, but on the circuit he focuses only on the machine ahead.
Career Path and Current Team
His 12th Formula 1 season has seen spells with Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls), Renault (now Alpine), McLaren, Ferrari and Williams. After Ferrari replaced him with Lewis Hamilton, he signed with Williams to line up alongside Albon.
Season‑Start Struggles
The Williams pod arrived overweight in Bahrain. Following seven rounds, Sainz sits 14th in the drivers’ standings, having accrued only six points.
"