Carlos Sainz Sr., the 61-year-old Spanish driver, captured the Dakar rally marathon title in the SUV category for 2024. This win marked his fourth triumph at this stage of the event, adding to his previous successes in 2010, 2018, and 2020. His latest victory underscores a long and storied career that has stretched across decades and multiple motor sports disciplines, demonstrating his enduring skill and resilience in the toughest endurance rally on the planet.
Across the 12 rigorous stages, Sainz completed the marathon in a total time of 48 hours, 15 minutes, and 18 seconds. He finished well ahead of the pursuing pack, with Guillaume De Mevius claiming second place a little over an hour behind the winner. In third position, the two-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb demonstrated his versatility by securing a podium finish, adding another chapter to his impressive catalog of results in diverse forms of cross-country and rally competition.
Sainz’s Dakar triumph is part of a broader legacy in motorsport. He previously claimed the Race of Champions title in 1997 and earned the World Rally Championship titles twice, in 1990 and 1992. Over the years, he has established himself as a persistent front-runner in the World Rally Championship, finishing inside the top three consistently across many seasons. This sustained performance has solidified his status as one of the sport’s enduring figures, capable of competing at the highest level across different formats and terrains.
Around the world, Sainz is known for more than his driving prowess. He has long been a football enthusiast who cheers for his hometown club, Real Madrid. There were moments in his past when he considered roles beyond racing, including a brief, high-profile plan to bid for club leadership. This blend of passions reflects a broader image of the competitor who balances a demanding racing career with the cultural and personal interests that shape his perspective outside the cockpit.
In a separate thread of the motorsport world, the racing family continues with his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., who has established himself in Formula 1. The father-son dynamic adds a layer of interest for fans following the Sainz legacy as it intersects with the evolving landscape of modern racing where multiple generations intersect at the pinnacle of international competition.
Meanwhile, the broader formula racing scene keeps delivering talking points, such as recent penalties and key moments at major events. In one notable incident, Max Verstappen faced a time penalty during a Las Vegas Grand Prix event, a decision that highlighted how critical every second can be in today’s high-stakes racing. The ongoing narratives from diverse series remind fans that the world of motorsport is interwoven with constant competition, tactical decisions, and moments that reshape standings in the blink of an eye. Citations: Dakar Rally official results and season summaries; World Rally Championship records; Formula 1 event reports.