A hard blow for the reigning Dakar champion. Carlos Sainz had to end his participation in the world’s most demanding rally raid prematurely following a spectacular accident during the 48-hour marathon stage.
The adventure comes to an abrupt end for the Spanish driver and his co-driver Lucas Cruz. After a violent rollover at kilometer 327 of the second stage, their Ford Raptor T1+ suffered irreparable damage to the roll bar. The FIA had no choice but to force their withdrawal from the race for obvious safety reasons.
The incident occurred during the first part of the marathon stage, a particularly feared event where mechanical assistance is prohibited. Despite the loss of the windshield and a damaged door that the co-pilot had to maintain, the crew achieved the feat of reaching the bivouac.
Without the possibility of thorough repair, in accordance with the regulations of the marathon stage, Sainz and Cruz attempted to continue the adventure. They even managed to finish the second part of the stage with an hour and a half delay on the leader, Yazeed Al-Rajhi. A remarkable performance considering the condition of their vehicle.
The American manufacturer Ford formalized the abandonment in the evening, after detailed inspection of the safety structure of the Raptor T1+. The damage to the rollbar, a vital element for the protection of the crew, did not allow it to be brought into compliance with the safety standards imposed by the FIA.
This forced retirement marks a halt in the quest for a fifth title for Carlos Sainz, who had joined Ford with the ambition of achieving an unprecedented feat: winning the Dakar with a fifth different brand. The previous year, he won at the wheel of an Audi.
The disappointment is all the greater for the Ford team which also loses Nani Romaforced to abandon due to mechanical problem. Alone Mattias Ekström et Mitchel Guthrierespectively 5th and 9th in the general classification, continue the adventure to defend the colors of the American manufacturer.
This 2025 edition of the Dakar is proving to be particularly trying, with several notable abandonments including that of Cristina Gutierrez on Dacia. There are still ten days of racing remaining and the battle for final victory looks more uncertain than ever.
Carlos Sainz’s future in rally raid remains up in the air. At 62, the Madrid driver has not yet discussed his plans for 2026, a decision he will make in the coming months, as he is accustomed to doing.
