Few Formula 1 drivers have packed as much drama into a single season as Carlos Sainz. From a hospital bed in Jeddah with a ruptured appendix to a triumphant return in Melbourne, and from a Ferrari exit to a fresh start at Williams, his 2024 story is one of resilience and reinvention. Here’s the full picture of his career, health, and personal life.
Full name: Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro · Date of birth: 1 September 1994 · Nationality: Spanish · Current F1 team: Williams Racing · Number of F1 wins: 4 · Relationship status: In a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson
Quick snapshot
- Carlos Sainz is in a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson (HOLA (Spanish celebrity magazine)).
- He was diagnosed with appendicitis in March 2023 (UPI (news agency)).
- Ferrari did not renew his contract for 2025 (Motorsport.com (F1 specialist)).
- He moved to Williams for 2025 (Motorsport.com (F1 specialist)).
- Exact reasons why Red Bull chose not to sign Sainz (multiple speculations).
- Whether Sainz will ever return to Ferrari or Red Bull.
- Future relationship milestones (e.g., marriage, children).
- March 2023: Appendicitis diagnosis and surgery.
- April 2023: Wins Australian Grand Prix after recovery.
- February 2024: Ferrari announces Lewis Hamilton replacement for 2025.
- 2025: Joins Williams Racing.
- Drives for Williams in 2025.
- Potential to become a team leader at a rebuilding squad.
- Long-term: could return to a top team if performance warrants.
The table below condenses the essential facts into a quick reference format.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro |
| Date of birth | 1 September 1994 |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Current team | Williams Racing |
| Car number | 55 |
| F1 wins | 4 |
| Relationship status | In a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson |
The pattern from his career so far points to a driver who consistently lands on his feet, even when the landing spot isn’t the one he initially wanted.
Is Carlos Sainz in a relationship?
Carlos Sainz has been in a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson, a Scottish model and actress, since 2023. The couple became more visible in the paddock during the 2024 season, with reports describing Donaldson as a constant presence at races (The Sun (UK tabloid)). A Spanish-language report from AS framed their public appearance after the Australian Grand Prix as an official confirmation of the relationship (AS (Spanish sports daily)).
Who is Rebecca Donaldson?
Rebecca Donaldson is a Scottish model who has been linked to Sainz since 2023. Reports from Heavy (a celebrity news outlet) suggest their relationship began that year, and her presence at Grand Prix weekends has made her a familiar face to F1 fans (Heavy (celebrity news)).
Does Carlos Sainz have a child?
Carlos Sainz does not have any children. The couple has not announced any plans for marriage or family.
Sainz’s relationship with Donaldson has brought a new layer of personal visibility to a driver already in the spotlight. For fans, it’s a reminder that top athletes balance public scrutiny with private lives.
What was Carlos Sainz diagnosed with?
Appendicitis diagnosis and surgery
During the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, Carlos Sainz was diagnosed with appendicitis. Ferrari announced on March 8, 2024, that he would miss the race and undergo emergency surgery (UPI (news agency)). The operation was successful, and Sainz later revealed that doctors warned him he could have died without it (PlanetF1 (F1 specialist)).
Recovery and return to racing
Ferrari expected Sainz to race at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix just 12 days after his appendix was removed, subject to an FIA medical assessment (ESPN (sports broadcaster)). He passed the assessment and won the race in Melbourne, a remarkable comeback. His reserve driver, Oliver Bearman (18 at the time), replaced him in Jeddah (The Athletic (sports journalism)).
Sainz’s recovery from emergency surgery to a Grand Prix victory in under three weeks underscores the razor-thin margins of F1 careers — one health scare can derail a season.
Why did Ferrari remove Carlos?
Leaving Ferrari at the end of 2024
Ferrari did not extend Carlos Sainz’s contract beyond 2024. The decision was announced in February 2024, when the team revealed that Lewis Hamilton would join for the 2025 season (Motorsport.com (F1 specialist)). Sainz described the move as “strange” but expressed excitement for the next chapter.
Replaced by Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest driver market moves in recent years. Sainz, who had scored multiple wins for Ferrari, was the odd man out. The decision left him searching for a seat for 2025.
The implication: Ferrari opted for a proven seven-time world champion over a younger driver who had just delivered strong results. The trade-off is clear — experience vs. potential.
Why don’t Red Bull want Sainz?
Red Bull’s decision on team lineup
Red Bull had a seat available for 2025 but chose not to sign Carlos Sainz. Team management reportedly cited concerns about pairing two top drivers and potential friction (Motorsport.com (F1 specialist)).
Potential pairing with Max Verstappen
Sainz and Verstappen raced together at Toro Rosso early in their careers. The combination was competitive but not always harmonious. Red Bull’s decision suggests they value stability over a driver with Sainz’s proven race-winning ability.
For Sainz, the Red Bull snub means he must rebuild his career at Williams — a team in the midfield. For Red Bull, it means they avoid a potential internal rivalry, but they also lose a driver who could challenge Verstappen.
Does Sainz regret leaving McLaren?
Reflection on McLaren departure
Carlos Sainz has stated that he does not regret leaving McLaren at the end of 2020 (Motorsport.com (F1 specialist)). He moved to Ferrari in 2021 and later to Williams, viewing the progression as a necessary step in his career.
Career progression since 2020
At McLaren, Sainz established himself as a consistent points scorer. His move to Ferrari raised his profile, and despite the 2024 exit, he leaves with multiple wins and a reputation as one of the most adaptable drivers on the grid.
What this means: Sainz’s career path — from Toro Rosso to Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams — shows a driver who prioritises growth over comfort. The McLaren departure, in hindsight, unlocked the Ferrari opportunity.
Timeline signal
- September 1, 1994: Born in Madrid, Spain.
- 2015: F1 debut with Toro Rosso.
- 2020: Moved to McLaren, left at end of season.
- 2021-2024: Drove for Ferrari, scored multiple wins.
- March 2023: Diagnosed with appendicitis, underwent emergency surgery.
- April 2023: Returned to win the Australian Grand Prix.
- February 2024: Ferrari announced he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton for 2025.
- 2025: Joined Williams Racing.
The timeline reveals a pattern of career moves that, while sometimes forced, have consistently pushed Sainz into roles where he must prove himself again.
Confirmed facts
- Carlos Sainz is in a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson.
- He was diagnosed with appendicitis in March 2023.
- Ferrari did not renew his contract for 2025.
- He moved to Williams for 2025.
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons why Red Bull chose not to sign Sainz (multiple speculations).
- Whether Sainz will ever return to Ferrari or Red Bull.
- Future relationship milestones (e.g., marriage, children).
The contrast between what is solidly confirmed and what remains speculative highlights the nature of driver market reporting — reliable facts about decisions are easier to verify than the internal reasoning behind them.
What they said
“It feels strange to be leaving Ferrari, but I’m excited for the next chapter.”
Carlos Sainz, on his 2024 departure
“I never thought I would be back on the podium so quickly after surgery.”
Carlos Sainz, on his Australian Grand Prix win
“Carlos is the best dressed man I know.”
Rebecca Donaldson, in an interview
For Spanish fans hoping to see Sainz back at Ferrari, the wait continues — but his move to Williams signals a driver who values challenge over comfort. The 2025 season will test whether he can elevate a midfield team, or if the top-tier opportunities have passed him by.
Efter att ha lämnat Ferrari mitt i säsongen fick Carlos Sainz snabbt en ny chans hos Williams, vilket beskrivs i detalj i Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari exit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Carlos Sainz’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly confirmed, but estimates from various sources place his net worth between $10 million and $20 million, largely from F1 salaries and endorsements.
How many F1 wins does Carlos Sainz have?
Carlos Sainz has 4 Formula 1 Grand Prix wins.
What is Carlos Sainz’s height?
Carlos Sainz is 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall.
What team did Carlos Sainz drive for before Ferrari?
Before Ferrari, Sainz drove for Toro Rosso, Renault, and McLaren.
Is Carlos Sainz married?
No, he is not married. He is in a relationship with Rebecca Donaldson.
What is Carlos Sainz’s car number?
His car number is 55.
How old is Carlos Sainz?
Born on 1 September 1994, he is 30 years old (as of 2025).
What is Carlos Sainz’s full name?
His full name is Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro.
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Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Briefly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.