History of Carlos Sainz Jr. in Timeline

Carlos Sainz Jr., a Spanish racing driver, currently competes in Formula One. Over his 10-season career, Sainz has secured four Grand Prix victories. He is presently under contract with Williams.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: Carlos Sainz Sr. First WRC Title

In 1990, Carlos Sainz Sr., Carlos Sainz Jr's father, won his first World Rally Championship.

1992: Carlos Sainz Sr. Second WRC Title

In 1992, Carlos Sainz Sr., Carlos Sainz Jr's father, secured his second World Rally Championship.

September 1994: Carlos Sainz Jr. Born

Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro was born on September 1994. He would later become a Formula One driver.

2006: Career Start in Karting

In 2006, Carlos Sainz Jr. started his racing career in karting, marking the beginning of his journey in motorsports.

2008: Asia-Pacific KF3 Title

In 2008, Carlos Sainz Jr. won the Asia-Pacific KF3 title and finished runner-up in the Spanish Championship, showcasing his early talent in karting.

2009: Junior Monaco Kart Cup Win

In 2009, Carlos Sainz Jr. won the Junior Monaco Kart Cup and was runner-up in the European KF3 Championship, highlighting his success in karting.

2010: Red Bull Junior Team Member

In 2010, Carlos Sainz Jr. became a member of the Red Bull Junior Team, marking a significant step in his racing career.

2010: Karting to Junior Formulae

In 2010, Carlos Sainz Jr. graduated from karting to junior formulae, marking the beginning of his career in open-wheel racing.

2010: Formula BMW Europe Race

In 2010, Carlos Sainz Jr. raced in Formula BMW Europe with the EuroInternational team and also joined the Red Bull Junior Team program, advancing his career in motorsport.

2011: Formula Renault NEC Win

In 2011, Carlos Sainz Jr. won his first championship at the Formula Renault NEC with Koiranen.

2012: Raced in British and Euro Series

During the 2012 season, Carlos Sainz Jr. raced in both British and Euro Series Formula 3 championships for Carlin, achieving multiple podium finishes and a pole position.

2012: Contested British Formula 3

In 2012, Carlos Sainz Jr. contested in British Formula 3, the Formula 3 Euro Series and FIA European Formula 3 with Carlin.

July 2013: First F1 Experience

In July 2013, Carlos Sainz Jr. had his first experience in a Formula One car at the young drivers' test at Silverstone Circuit.

2013: GP3 Series with Arden

In 2013, Carlos Sainz Jr. progressed to the GP3 Series with Arden, finishing tenth in his rookie season.

2013: Formula Renault 3.5

In 2013, Carlos Sainz Jr. raced in Formula Renault 3.5 for the first time, with a 6th place finish in Monaco and several retirements.

2013: Death of Maria de Villota

In 2013, Maria de Villota died, which personally affected Carlos Sainz Jr.

2014: Drove Red Bull RB10

In 2014, Carlos Sainz Jr. drove the Red Bull RB10 in the post-season test after winning the Formula Renault 3.5 Series title.

2014: Formula Renault 3.5 Series Win

In 2014, Carlos Sainz Jr. won the Formula Renault 3.5 Series championship with DAMS, demonstrating his talent in Formula racing.

2014: Switched to DAMS

In 2014, Carlos Sainz switched teams to DAMS. He won the second race in Monza. At the Nürburgring GP Circuit, he won race 1 but in race 2, he retired.

2014: Star on Helmet

Since 2014, Carlos Sainz Jr. has kept a star on his helmet in honor of María de Villota, showing his respect for her.

2015: Scuderia Toro Rosso

In 2015, Carlos Sainz Jr. drove for Scuderia Toro Rosso, finishing his debut race in ninth position.

2015: Formula One Debut with Toro Rosso

In 2015, Carlos Sainz Jr. signed with Toro Rosso, debuting alongside Max Verstappen in Formula One, starting his journey in the sport.

2016: Ambassador of María de Villota's Legacy

In 2016, Carlos Sainz Jr. was named Ambassador of María de Villota's Legacy, recognizing her impact on his early driving career.

2016: Toro Rosso Retained Sainz and Verstappen

In 2016, Toro Rosso retained Carlos Sainz Jr. and Max Verstappen. Sainz achieved his best career finish with sixth place at the Spanish Grand Prix.

2017: Move to Renault

During the 2017 United States Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz Jr. replaced Jolyon Palmer at Renault, after signing with the team from 2018 onwards.

2017: Dated Isabel Hernáez

From 2017, Carlos Sainz Jr. dated fellow Spaniard Isabel Hernáez.

2017: Points in Opening Races

In 2017, Carlos Sainz Jr. scored points in the opening two races. He achieved sixth place at the Monaco Grand Prix.

2017: Joined Renault for final races

In 2017, Carlos Sainz's move to Renault was brought forward and he replaced Jolyon Palmer, finishing seventh at the United States Grand Prix and ending the season ninth in the Drivers' Championship.

2018: Signed with Renault

In 2018, Carlos Sainz Jr. officially joined Renault, continuing his Formula One career with the team.

2018: Qualified in Top Ten

Over the first eight races of 2018, Carlos Sainz Jr. qualified in the top ten at each of them. He finished a season-high position of fifth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

2018: Renault for 2018

Prior to the Singapore Grand Prix it was announced that Sainz would join Renault for 2018, on loan from Red Bull.

2019: Move to McLaren

In 2019, Carlos Sainz Jr. moved to McLaren, ending his association with Red Bull, beginning a new chapter in his Formula One journey.

2020: Second Podium at Italian Grand Prix

In 2020, Carlos Sainz Jr. achieved another podium finish at the Italian Grand Prix, showcasing his talent and progress in Formula One.

2020: 2020 Season Events

In 2020, Sainz achieved a fifth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix. He secured his then-best career qualifying result at the Styrian Grand Prix with third place, also achieving his first fastest lap and a track record at the Red Bull Ring. He finished the British Grand Prix in thirteenth after a late puncture.

2020: Finished Sixth in the 2020 Driver's Championship

In 2020, Sainz finished the season sixth in the Driver's Championship for the second consecutive year, achieving career highs in points and top-five finishes.

2021: Signs with Ferrari

In 2021, Carlos Sainz Jr. signed for Ferrari, replacing Sebastian Vettel to partner with Charles Leclerc, joining one of the most iconic teams in Formula One.

2021: 2021 Season Events

In 2021, Sainz joined Ferrari, finishing eighth at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He later achieved his first podium with Ferrari at the Monaco Grand Prix, finishing second.

2021: Finished Fifth in the 2021 Driver's Championship

Sainz matched his 2021 position with fifth in the Drivers' Championship

2022: Rewarded with his race-winning F1-75 chassis from 2022

Following his departure, Ferrari rewarded Sainz with his race-winning F1-75 chassis from 2022.

2022: First Pole Position and Win at British Grand Prix

In 2022, Carlos Sainz Jr. secured his maiden pole position and win at the British Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his Formula One career.

2022: 2022 Season Events

In 2022, Sainz continued with Ferrari, starting the season with a second-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He had a DNF at the Australian Grand Prix after spinning into the gravel. He also finished second at the Monaco Grand Prix and the Canadian Grand Prix.

2022: Sebastian Vettel's Retirement

In 2022, Sebastian Vettel retired from Formula One, leading to Sainz's appointment in 2025.

June 2023: Started Boogie Burger Restaurant

In June 2023, Sainz started a hamburger restaurant in Madrid named Boogie Burger with a group of friends.

2023: Ended relationship with Isabel Hernáez

In 2023, Carlos Sainz Jr. ended his relationship with Isabel Hernáez.

2023: Win at Singapore Grand Prix

In 2023, Carlos Sainz Jr. secured another win for Ferrari at the Singapore Grand Prix, demonstrating his continued success with the team.

2023: Watch Robbery in Milan

In 2023, Carlos Sainz Jr. was robbed of his watch in Milan but managed to capture his assailant, demonstrating his quick response and bravery.

2023: 2023 Season Events

In 2023, Sainz achieved his first pole position of the year at the Italian Grand Prix and finished third. He secured his second Formula One victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, ending Red Bull's win streak.

July 2024: Joining Williams from 2025

In July 2024, Williams announced that Sainz would be joining the team from the 2025 season.

2024: Dating Rebecca Donaldson

As of 2024, Carlos Sainz Jr. is dating Scottish model Rebecca Donaldson.

2024: Achievements by 2024

As of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz Jr. had achieved four race wins, six pole positions, four fastest laps, and 27 podiums in Formula One.

2024: Wins in Australia and Mexico City

In 2024, Carlos Sainz Jr. took wins for Ferrari in Australia and Mexico City, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier Formula One driver.

2024: Contract Extension with Ferrari until 2024

In 2024, Sainz signed a contract extension to remain with Ferrari until the end of the 2024 season.

2024: 2024 Season Events

In 2024, Sainz started the season with a podium finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He underwent surgery for appendicitis during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. He then won the Australian Grand Prix.

2024: Departure from Ferrari

Sainz left Ferrari after the 2024 season.

February 2025: Appointed Director of GPDA

In February 2025, Sainz was appointed as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).

2025: Joins Williams

In 2025, Carlos Sainz Jr. will join Williams to partner with Alexander Albon, after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.

2025: Replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

In 2025, Sainz was replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.

2025: Partnered with Alex Albon

In 2025, Sainz will be partnered with Alex Albon as his teammate at Williams.

2026: Contract with Williams

Carlos Sainz Jr. is contracted to remain at Williams until at least the end of the 2026 season, securing his place in Formula One for the foreseeable future.