Triumph at the Dakar Rally
Sainz completes the last Audi mission before joining Formula 1
January 19, 2024, 12:09 p.m
Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026, so this year’s Dakar Rally will be the German manufacturer’s last. Carlos Sainz ensures the perfect conclusion in Saudi Arabia: as the oldest winner of the motorsport classic to date.
The big stage on the Red Sea was set when Carlos Sainz rolled into 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 delivered. The Spaniard also mastered the final pitfalls of the toughest desert race in the world with ease. Sainz defended his overall lead, which he had gained on the sixth stage. After twelve sections, 4,727 kilometers of special stages and a total of 7,891 kilometers, “El Matador” and Audi have reached their destination.
“This car is so special. It’s so difficult to manage and get it running,” 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 in 2026.
Before the start on January 5th, Sainz said “that it’s this year or never”. His teammate Stephane Peterhansel, record champion 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.
And the necessary bit of luck was also on Sainz’s side: his fiercest opponent Sebastien Loeb 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.