The father of F1 2025 Williams driver Carlos Sainz has withdrawn from the 2025 Dakar Rally after a crash left his car with huge damage.

Carlos Sainz, four time winner of the Dakar Rally, and copilot Lucas Cruz, have been forced out of the competition following an FIA technical inspection of his Ford Raptor which found the car unfit to continue.

Carlos Sainz Sr will take no further part in the 2025 edition of Dakar Rally after sustaining heavy damage to his Ford Raptor during the 48-hour Stage 2. Sainz’s car rolled over and landed on its roof after a dune jump 327km into Sunday’s test near Bisha in Saudi Arabia.

Charles Leclerc has dismissed suggestions that his partnership with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari will be different from his previous team relationships, despite their 13-year age gap. The Monegasque driver revealed he already shares a strong bond with the seven-time world champion ahead of their collaboration for the 2025 season.

The 39-year-old replaces Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, with Leclerc having been the de facto No 1 at the team over the last few years. And ahead of the 2025 season, many fans have wondered whether Hamilton will usurp Leclerc in that role, or whether the Monegasque will retain his spot.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will join forces to end the title drought of Ferrari. The Italian contractor last won the championship in 2008.