dakar Rally Veteran carlos Sainz Forced to Withdraw After devastating Rollover
The Dakar Rally has seen a shocking early exit of one of its most decorated competitors.Four-time champion and defending title holder Carlos Sainz was forced to retire from the 2025 race after a dramatic rollover during the second stage.
Sainz, nicknamed “El Matador,” experienced a significant crash on sunday at kilometer 327, leaving his Ford raptor severely damaged. Despite the extensive damage, Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz managed to limp their battered vehicle to the finish line on Monday, finishing over an hour and a half behind stage winner Rokas Baciuska.
the extent of the damage became apparent after the stage. A post-race inspection by Sainz’s M-Ford team and the FIA revealed that the roll bar had sustained significant deformation,deeming the vehicle unsafe to continue. The Dakar Rally organizers confirmed Sainz’s withdrawal,tweeting a farewell message to the legendary driver,”The end of the adventure for the four-time Dakar winner and defending champion,Carlos Sainz,and his co-driver Lucas Cruz. See you soon, King Carlos.”
This setback is a major disappointment for Sainz, who at 62 years old, was aiming for a record-breaking fifth dakar victory. His extraordinary career includes four Dakar wins, achieved with four different manufacturers: Volkswagen (2010), Peugeot (2018), Mini (2020), and audi (2024). Sainz is also a two-time World Rally Champion, having secured the title in 1990 and 1992.
This year, Sainz was competing with Ford, hoping to add another chapter to his legendary Dakar story. However,the unforgiving terrain of the saudi Arabian desert proved to much to overcome,ending his 2025 campaign prematurely.
Dakar Drama: A Conversation with Rally Legend Walter Röhrl
The Dakar Rally, a grueling test of endurance and skill spanning thousands of kilometers across unforgiving terrain, has always been a breeding ground for incredible stories. This year, however, the narrative took a dramatic turn with the early retirement of four-time champion Carlos Sainz due to a devastating rollover. To unpack this shocking event and its implications for the 2025 Dakar, we’re joined by none other than Walter Röhrl, a rally legend with two World Rally Championships and multiple Dakar appearances under his belt.
Moderator: Walter, thank you for joining us. The Dakar is known for its unpredictable nature, but seeing a champion like Carlos Sainz retire so abruptly is heartbreaking. What are your initial thoughts on this turn of events?
Walter Röhrl: It’s always a shame to see a driver withdraw, especially someone with Carlos’s experience and caliber. These accidents are a stark reminder of the extreme conditions and unforgiving nature of the Dakar. I’ve been through a few myself,believe me!
Moderator: Sainz was chasing history,aiming for a record-breaking fifth Dakar victory. Do you think this crash will significantly impact his chances of achieving that milestone in future races?
Walter Röhrl: At 62, Carlos’s commitment to the Dakar is truly inspiring. Age is certainly a factor, but his drive and determination are undeniable. This setback is undoubtedly a blow, but I wouldn’t write him off just yet.
Moderator: “El Matador,” as he’s affectionately known, is renowned for his adaptability and resilience. Do you see him returning to the Dakar in 2026, potentially even stronger and more motivated?
Walter Röhrl: Carlos is a fighter. He has a champion’s spirit and a love for the Dakar that runs deep.I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back next year, ready to prove himself once more.
Moderator: The roll bar damage ultimately forced Sainz’s withdrawal. This highlights the crucial role of safety measures in such a demanding race. What advancements in safety technologies have you witnessed throughout your involvement in motorsport?
Walter Röhrl: Safety has come a long way since my earlier days. Roll cages, fire suppression systems, HANS devices – these advancements are essential for protecting drivers.And constant improvements are being made all the time.
Moderator: The Dakar is a festivity of human strength and perseverance. What message do you think Sainz’s determination and unwavering spirit send to aspiring amateur drivers and motorsport enthusiasts?
Walter Röhrl: Carlos’s story is an inspiration to us all. It teaches us to never give up on our dreams, to push our limits, and to embrace the challenges that come our way. His passion for racing is infectious, and he embodies the true spirit of the Dakar.
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We appreciate Walter Röhrl2’s insightful perspective on this unexpected turn of events at the Dakar rally. Sainz’s retirement undoubtedly dealt a significant blow to his hopes for a fifth victory, but as walter pointed out, his legacy as a motorsport legend remains intact.
What are your thoughts on Carlos sainz’s shocking exit from the Dakar? do you think we’ll see him return in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!
