Carlos Sainz

Biography of Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz's F1 Career

Carlos Sainz Jr, son of rallying legend Sainz Sr, entered Formula 1 with Toro Rosso as a Red Bull junior in 2015 as team-mate to Max Verstappen.

A solid debut season saw the Spaniard finish 15th and earn him a second year with the team. Two sixth-place finishes - at the US and Brazilian Grands Prix - earned Sainz his best results of his first two years as he improved his championship position to 12th.

His third and final year with Toro Rosso was another step forward, with fourth in Singapore proving his worth in the sport. When Renault dropped Jolyon Palmer, Sainz, who had signed for the team for 2018, was called up to the Enstone-based team for the US Grand Prix.

A string of solid, if not spectacular results set Sainz up for his first full season with the team as he finished year three in the top 10 for the first time.

2018 was a difficult year for Sainz, however. Despite consistent points finishes, team-mate Nico Hulkenberg was regularly outperforming him and, at the end of the season, Sainz would once again change teams - this time to replace Fernando Alonso at McLaren.

As partner to Lando Norris, Sainz helped return McLaren to form in 2019. Arguably, Sainz was one of the best performers of the season, finishing sixth in the standings ahead of Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon, who had both stints with Red Bull during the season. Sainz was regularly the best of the rest behind the top three teams, with a maiden podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix the highlight of the year.

In the delayed 2020 season, Sainz was again on top form with McLaren. Fifth at the season-opener in Austria was followed by a fastest lap at the same venue at the Styrian Grand Prix. If it wasn't for a string of bad luck with pit-stop issues and mechanical failures, Sainz's sixth-place finish in the championship could have been even better.

His performances at McLaren were enough for Ferrari to come calling for his services.

Carlos Sainz's Ferrari Career

Sainz was hugely impressive during his first year with Ferrari, taking four podiums and finishing fifth in the drivers' standings.

The Spaniard outscored team-mate Leclerc, with the internal rivalry between them promising great battles for the future.

Net worth Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz's Net Worth

A driver's contract with a team is, of course, confidential information but Sainz's contract is believed to be worth in the region of £5 to £10 million, although personal sponsors such as Estrella Galicia will inevitably boost his annual income.

Carlos Sainz's Helmet

Sainz's helmet takes a heavy influence from the Spanish flag, with yellow and red predominant on the design. Black is also included on the top of the design, with Sainz's number 55 adorned atop the helmet.