Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro, known universally as Carlos Sainz Jr., is a Spanish Formula 1 driver who began his career in 2015 and has since driven for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and most recently Williams Racing. Born in Madrid on 1 September 1994, he is the son of two‑time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz Sr. and has built a reputation as a consistent, smooth operator on the track. With four Grand Prix wins, 29 podiums, and a distinctive car number 55, Sainz remains one of the most recognisable figures in modern motorsport.
In 2025, Sainz made a high‑profile move from Ferrari to the Atlassian Williams F1 Team, a decision that surprised many in the paddock and reshaped the driver market. Beyond his professional achievements, his personal life has attracted attention, particularly his relationship with UK model and influencer Rebecca Donaldson. This article provides a fact‑based overview of Sainz’s biography, career stats, family background, and the key questions fans most often ask.
All information is drawn from official sources, including the driver’s own website and the Formula 1 database, to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Who Is Carlos Sainz? Biography and Personal Details
Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro Cenamor
30 years old (1 Sept 1994)
Atlassian Williams F1 Team
‘Chilli’
Key Insights About Carlos Sainz
- Carlos Sainz is the son of a rally legend and has carved his own path in F1 with four Grand Prix wins.
- He moved to Williams in 2025 after four seasons with Ferrari, marking a new chapter.
- His nickname ‘Chilli’ reflects his aggressive yet smooth driving style, inspired by his Madrid roots.
- Sainz’s personal life gained public interest after his relationship with Rebecca Donaldson.
- The number 55 is a signature identifier, chosen from his karting days.
- As of mid‑2025, he has scored over 1,340 career points and earned 6 pole positions.
- He is respected for consistency and racecraft, often described as a “smooth operator”.
Carlos Sainz Snapshot Facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro Cenamor |
| Date of Birth | 1 September 1994 |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Hometown | Madrid, Spain |
| F1 Team (2025) | Atlassian Williams Racing |
| Car Number | 55 |
| F1 Wins | 4 |
| Nickname | Chilli |
| Girlfriend | Rebecca Donaldson |
| Father | Carlos Sainz Sr. (WRC champion) |
| @carlossainz55 |
How Old Is Carlos Sainz?
Carlos Sainz Jr. was born on 1 September 1994, making him 30 years old as of 2025. At the time of writing in early 2026, he will turn 31.
What Is Carlos Sainz’s Full Name?
His full name is Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro Cenamor, though he is widely known simply as Carlos Sainz or Carlos Sainz Jr. The longer form appears in official documents and his IMDb profile.
How Tall Is Carlos Sainz?
The official website lists his height at 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in), while some driver profiles record 1.81 m. The discrepancy is minor and likely due to rounding.
Where Is Carlos Sainz From?
He was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. His Madrid roots are often referenced in his nickname and driving persona.
What Is Carlos Sainz’s F1 Career and Stats?
What Team Does Carlos Sainz Drive For in 2025?
Sainz races for the Atlassian Williams F1 Team starting in the 2025 season, alongside Alex Albon. The move from Ferrari was announced late in 2024 and took effect at the beginning of 2025. Official confirmation is available on the Williams Racing team page.
How Many F1 Races Has Carlos Sainz Won?
As of the end of the 2024 season, Carlos Sainz has won four Formula One Grands Prix: the 2022 British Grand Prix, 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, 2024 Australian Grand Prix, and 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix. These victories were all achieved during his time at Ferrari. His career total of 29 podiums and 6 pole positions underscores his consistency.
Why Does Carlos Sainz Use Number 55?
Sainz has used the number 55 since his karting days. It has become his signature race number and is now synonymous with his brand. The number is officially registered with the FIA and appears on his Williams car.
The number 55 was not assigned by a team – Sainz chose it out of personal preference early in his career. He has kept it through every team move, making it one of the most recognisable numbers on the grid.
What Is Carlos Sainz’s Nickname?
He is nicknamed ‘Chilli’ (from the Spanish ‘Chile’), a reference to his fiery driving style and Madrid heritage. The nickname is confirmed on Formula1.com, which refers to him as “the matador from Madrid racing royalty”.
Who Is Carlos Sainz’s Girlfriend? Relationship Details
Who Is Carlos Sainz’s Girlfriend?
Carlos Sainz is in a public relationship with Rebecca Donaldson, a UK‑based model and influencer. They have been together since around 2023, and she is frequently seen at races and on his social media. Her presence is noted on his official Instagram account.
Who Is Carlos Sainz’s Ex-Girlfriend?
There is no widely verified ex‑girlfriend for Carlos Sainz. Online searches sometimes refer to earlier dating rumours, but none have been officially confirmed. The lack of a publicly acknowledged ex‑partner is notable.
Inquiries about a former partner stem almost entirely from speculative social media posts. Without confirmation from Sainz or his representatives, no individual can be reliably named as a past girlfriend.
Is Carlos Sainz Married?
No, Carlos Sainz is not married. He is currently in a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson, but no marriage has been announced or reported by credible sources.
Who Is Carlos Sainz’s Father? The Rally Champion Legacy
Who Is Carlos Sainz Senior?
His father, Carlos Sainz Sr., is a legendary Spanish rally driver who won the World Rally Championship twice (1990 and 1992) and is also a four‑time Dakar Rally winner. The father‑son duo is one of motorsport’s most famous family lines. Sainz Jr. has often spoken about his father’s influence on his career, though he has built his own identity in circuit racing.
Although both are world‑class drivers, Carlos Sainz Sr. competes in rallying and endurance events, while Carlos Sainz Jr. is a pure Formula 1 circuit racer. Confusing the two is common but incorrect.
Carlos Sainz Career Timeline: From Karting to Williams
- 1994 – Born in Madrid, Spain.
- 2006–2009 – Karting career; begins using number 55. Wins Asia‑Pacific KF3 and Junior Monaco Kart titles.
- 2010–2014 – Single‑seater progression: Formula BMW, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, and wins the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship in 2014.
- 2015 – F1 debut with Toro Rosso, paired with Max Verstappen.
- 2017–2018 – Races for Renault F1 Team.
- 2019–2020 – Joins McLaren, earns first podium.
- 2021–2024 – Drives for Scuderia Ferrari; first F1 win at the 2022 British Grand Prix. Total of 4 wins and 29 podiums.
- 2025 – Moves to Atlassian Williams F1 Team alongside Alex Albon.
What Is Confirmed About Carlos Sainz and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Full name, date of birth, height, nationality, 2025 team, car number, father’s identity, girlfriend (Rebecca Donaldson). | ‘Carlos Sainz ex‑girlfriend’ – no widely verified ex‑girlfriend; search queries may refer to old rumours. |
| Nickname ‘Chilli’ is confirmed by Formula1.com and official sources. | Relationship status – current with Rebecca Donaldson is public, but future changes are speculative. |
| F1 wins count (4) as of early 2025. | Merchandise availability – official shop exists but third‑party options are not detailed. |
Why Did Carlos Sainz Move to Williams and What Makes Him Stand Out?
Sainz’s move from Ferrari to Williams in 2025 surprised many observers. He had been a key driver for Ferrari, finishing second in the 2022 and 2024 drivers’ championships. The decision reflected the dynamic driver market of 2025, where teams reshuffled their line‑ups. At Williams, Sainz brings experience and race‑winning pedigree to a historically successful team that is rebuilding.
His father’s rally success gives him a unique motorsport heritage, yet Carlos Jr. has built his own identity in circuit racing. Known as a ‘smooth operator’, Sainz is respected for consistency and racecraft. The nickname ‘Chilli’ aligns with his fiery yet calculated driving style.
His official website carlossainz.es provides further details on his career, news, and upcoming appearances.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Carlos Sainz?
“Sainz has earned the nickname Chilli.” – Formula1.com
“He’s the matador from Madrid racing royalty.” – Formula1.com
“I’m excited for the new chapter with Williams.” – via team announcement
Authoritative sources include the Wikipedia entry for Carlos Sainz Jr., the official Formula1.com driver profile, and the Williams Racing team page. Fans can also follow his Instagram account @carlossainz55 for personal updates.
What Is the Complete Overview of Carlos Sainz?
Carlos Sainz is a 30‑year‑old Spanish F1 driver currently racing for Williams Racing. He has four Grand Prix wins, 29 podiums, and a career spanning five teams since 2015. His personal life includes a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson, and he is the son of rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. Known by the nickname ‘Chilli’ and car number 55, Sainz continues to be a prominent figure in motorsport. For more sports biography profiles, you may also be interested in Thomas Tuchel – Biography, Teams, Trophies, and Latest News and David Haye – Boxing Record, Net Worth and Life in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carlos Sainz
Where can I buy Carlos Sainz merch?
Official Carlos Sainz merchandise is available on his official website (carlossainz.es) and through the Williams F1 team shop. Items include apparel, caps, and accessories.
What is Carlos Sainz’s Instagram handle?
His official Instagram account is @carlossainz55, where he posts personal and racing content.
What is Carlos Sainz’s official website?
His official website is carlossainz.es, featuring a biography, news, photo gallery, and shop.
Does Carlos Sainz have any siblings?
He has a sister named Ana Sainz, but little public information is available about her.
How many pole positions does Carlos Sainz have?
As of early 2025, he has earned 6 pole positions in Formula 1.
What was Carlos Sainz’s first F1 win?
His first victory came at the 2022 British Grand Prix while driving for Ferrari.
Which F1 teams has Carlos Sainz driven for?
He has driven for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams (in that order).
Is Carlos Sainz related to any other famous drivers?
Only through his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., who is a double World Rally Champion and Dakar winner.
Edward Marsh is Editor-in-Chief at TradeWireUK.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, market data accuracy and publication decisions. He writes occasional leader columns and major business stories.