Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz Cenamor, born on April 12, 1962, is a renowned Spanish rally driver celebrated for his remarkable achievements in motorsport. Known by his nickname "El Matador," Sainz clinched the World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers' title twice while racing for Toyota, securing victories in 1990 and 1992. Throughout his illustrious career, he has finished as a runner-up four times and contributed to constructors' championships with teams such as Subaru in 1995, Toyota in 1999, and Citroën from 2003 to 2005.

In the 2018 season, he took on the role of an official driver for Team Peugeot Total, further showcasing his versatility. Sainz's contributions to the sport were recognized in 2020 when he was honored with the Princess of Asturias Sports Award. He also founded the Acciona | Sainz XE Team to participate in the Extreme E series, competing alongside Laia Sanz in its inaugural seasons.

Sainz previously held the record for the most career starts in the WRC, a testament to his enduring presence in the sport. He made history as the first non-Nordic driver to win the prestigious 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland and came close to victory at the Swedish Rally with four second-place finishes. Beyond the WRC, his accolades include triumphs in the Dakar Rally (2010, 2018, 2020, 2024), the Race of Champions (1997), and the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (1990). His journey has been supported by notable co-drivers, including Antonio Boto, Luis Moya, Marc Martí, and Lucas Cruz.