Carlos Sainz Jr. tries dad’s Ford Raptor: “It feels like they’re risking their life in every corner”

October 4, 2025

Carlos Sainz Jr. obviously knows how to wheel an open-wheel car. But could he wheel a rally raid prototype car?

During the Formula One summer break, Sainz went to Merzouga where his father and M-Sport were testing the Ford Raptor. Carlos Sainz Sr. had previously test drove his son’s Ferrari F1-75 in 2024 to commemorate Junior’s departure from Scuderia Ferrari.

He rode in the navigator’s seat for his dad at first, then switched to the left side himself with Sainz Sr. barking out orders.

“I cannot explain how much risk it feels they take,” Sainz Jr. remarked. “It feels like they’re risking their life in every corner, in every bump, in every change of direction, every rock. Every compression feels like that’s the last compression of your life. And the guy’s super relaxed. This is crazy.”

Sainz Jr. released a video of his test as part of his DONTBLINK video series, and Ford Racing uploaded their own too.

While the younger Sainz has no rally experience, he’s supported his father at races like the Dakar Rally when he can. Ironically, his presence led to an FIA investigation at the 2023 Dakar when he helped close the door on his dad’s Audi during a refuel, a suspected violation of rules prohibiting team personnel from getting near a car on course; since Sainz Jr. was just a guest, he was exonerated though the FIA still warned not to do it again.

Currently in his first season with Williams, Sainz Jr. is 12th in points. Sainz Sr. will race the Raptor at the Rallye du Maroc next Sunday followed by the 2026 Dakar.