At the age of 61, seasoned Spanish driver Carlos Sainz clinched his fourth Dakar Rally victory on Friday, making history as the oldest winner of the race. Widely known as ‘El Matador’ and a two-time world rally champion, Sainz’s triumph was virtually assured when his closest competitor, Sebastien Loeb, faced a setback, stranded in the desert for over an hour during Thursday’s penultimate stage.
Upon reaching the finish line, Sainz exited his Audi and embraced his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., a Formula One driver for Ferrari. Leading since the sixth stage, Sainz, supported by fellow Audi drivers Mattias Ekstrom of Sweden and 14-time Dakar champion Stephane Peterhansel of France, maintained control over the race. He finished over an hour ahead of Belgian newcomer Guillaume De Mevius (Toyota), while Loeb (Prodrive) secured third place, slipping from his two consecutive runner-up positions.
Sainz secured Audi’s first Dakar title with this victory, and his fourth win places him alongside Ari Vatanen in the prestigious rally winners’ list. He is only surpassed by Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, Peterhansel, with eight car triumphs, and this year marked the 58-year-old Peterhansel’s final race.
Reflecting on his success, Sainz attributed his enduring enthusiasm to his passion for the sport and self-belief. He emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation behind the scenes, acknowledging that sustained success requires dedication.
When asked about the possibility of pursuing a fifth title in 2025, Sainz expressed uncertainty, stating that, for now, he wants to savor the victory and will contemplate his future in the coming weeks.
‘Chills down my spine’
Guillaume De Mevius found it hard to believe that he had secured a place on the podium, expressing his astonishment at the unexpected achievement. The 29-year-old remarked on the unpredictable nature of the race, describing it as a “crazy” experience. While dreaming of podium success, it was not their initial goal at the start of the race, making the accomplishment even more remarkable for De Mevius, who relished the amazing feeling of finishing in second place.
In the motorbike category, American rider Ricky Brabec claimed victory for the second time. Riding for Honda, the 32-year-old enjoyed a substantial lead of 10 minutes and 53 seconds as the 12th stage concluded, with Botswana’s Ross Branch on a Hero securing the second spot. Frenchman Adrien van Beveren, 33, celebrated his first podium finish in the rally by taking third place.
Reflecting on his triumph, Brabec, who made history in 2020 as the first American to win the Dakar Rally, expressed immense excitement about doubling his title. Crossing the finish line, he experienced chills and credited the smooth ride and exceptional teamwork for the perfect Dakar campaign. Brabec marveled at the flawless performance, highlighting that he did not fall once during the challenging race.
The rally also featured an emotional moment for Italian rider Gioele Meoni, who competed as a tribute to his late father Fabrizio, killed in the 2005 edition of the rally. Crossing the finish line with tears streaming down his face, Meoni tapped the orange liveried KTM 450, the same color as his father’s bike, in a poignant acknowledgment of the enduring legacy.
