The big stage on the Red Sea was set when Carlos Sainz rolled into the Saudi port city of Yanbu to thunderous cheers. At the Dakar Rally, Audi wanted to finally be at the top with its futuristic hybrid racing car at the third attempt – and the veteran did as he was told.
The Spaniard also mastered the final pitfalls of the toughest desert race in the world with ease on Friday. Sainz defended his overall lead, which he had won on the sixth stage, after the previously leading team of Saudi pilot Yazeed Al-Rajhi and his German navigator Timo Gottschalk retired due to a crash. After twelve sections, 4,727 kilometers of special stages and a total of 7,891 kilometers, “El Matador” Sainz and Audi have reached their destination.
“It doesn’t just happen”
“This car is so special. It’s so difficult to manage and make it work,” said the motorsport icon after crossing the finish line – and was overwhelmed by the success: “To be here at my age and stay at this level, you have to work a lot beforehand. It doesn’t just happen.”
Sainz’s fourth Dakar triumph was a very special one. For the 61-year-old, who became the oldest winner in history. And for the people of Ingolstadt who took advantage of their last chance with the electrically powered RS Q e-tron. Audi has been involved in Saudi Arabia since 2022, and its Dakar commitment is now coming to an end. From now on, the full focus of the group will be on entry into Formula 1 for the 2026 season.
Before the start on January 5th, Sainz said that “it was this year or never”. His teammate Stephane Peterhansel, record winner with 14 overall victories, even spoke of a “shame not to win the Dakar, regardless of the crew.” All the greater the joy of having withstood the pressure.
This was also achieved thanks to strong teamwork. When the rankings became firm, Audi put everything on Sainz’s cards. Peterhansel and Mattias Ekström helped out with tire damage and at times navigated the leader through the terrain as a vanguard.
Sönke Sievers Published/Updated: Recommendations: 5 Sönke Sievers Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 6 Sönke Sievers, Passau Published/Updated: Recommendations: 6
And the necessary bit of luck was also on Sainz’s side: his fiercest opponent Stephane Peterhansel started the race on the penultimate stage just 13:22 minutes behind. But then the record world champion broke the suspension on the left front wheel. Sainz passed on a rocky route – and couldn’t be stopped.
