Carlos Sainz Sr has officially withdrawn from the Dakar Rally 2025 event following a catastrophic crash that left his Ford Raptor T1+ with irreparable damage.
The legendary rally driver and reigning Dakar champion crashed during the second stage of the grueling race, which is widely regarded as one of the most challenging motorsport events in the world—this year’s rally is taking place in Saudi Arabia.
Carlos Sainz Sr’s crash transpired approximately 327 kilometers into Dakar Rally 2025 Stage 2 known as the 48-hour marathon, where competitors face a punishing combination of harsh terrain and unpredictable weather which tests both drivers and vehicles to their limits.
While navigating a particularly treacherous dune, Sainz lost control of his Ford Raptor T1+ causing it to roll over and land on its roof. Despite the severity of the incident, both the Spaniard and his co-driver, Lucas Cruz emerged unscathed.
However, an inspection by FIA officials revealed critical damage to the car’s roll cage—a structural component essential for driver safety. According to FIA regulations, repairs to this part of the vehicle are strictly prohibited during the rally.
As a result, it was deemed unsafe for Carlos Sainz Sr to continue racing. In a statement released by Ford, it was confirmed that due to the extent of the damage sustained during the accident, they had no choice but to withdraw vehicle #225 from the competition.
The decision was made not only for Sainz’s safety but also in compliance with international motorsport regulations that prioritize driver protection above all else.
The statement read: “Due to the damage sustained to the safety cage of vehicle #225 during the accident in the first part of the 48-hour stage of the Dakar Rally 2025 and in accordance with FIA regulations, it has been decided to withdraw the vehicle.”
This unfortunate turn of events marks a significant setback for Carlos Sainz Sr, who had entered this year’s rally with high hopes of defending his title after securing his fourth Dakar victory just a year prior.
Sainz’s illustrious career spans decades and includes multiple championships across various motorsport disciplines. He first gained prominence in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where he secured two drivers’ titles and achieved 26 rally wins.
The 62-year old’s transition to off-road racing culminated in his remarkable successes at the Dakar Rally, where he has become a household name among motorsport enthusiasts. His decision to join Ford for the 2025 edition of the rally was seen as a pivotal moment in his career, as he sought to add another prestigious title to his already impressive resume.
Carlos Sainz Sr’s withdrawal from the race has significant implications for both him personally and for Ford’s rally team in its first full-fledged factory appearance in Dakar. The setback comes after his team-mate Nani Roma fell out of contention on Monday with engine issues.
Mattias Ekström remains as Ford’s leading competitor in fifth place overall, 13 minutes behind overall leader Henk Lategan of Toyota. The dynamics within the team will undoubtedly shift as they regroup and recalibrate their strategies moving forward.
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