Carlos Sainz has once again added to his legend by winning the Dakar Rally. Together with Lucas Cruz and the Audi RS Q e-tron, they are already four-time champions of the toughest and most famous rally in the world.
And they have done so by rewriting the history of this great race once again. They are the first drivers to win with a hybrid-powered car, as well as being the oldest driver to win the race. His four triumphs have been achieved with four different brands: Volkswagen Touareg in 2010, Peugeot 3008 DKR in 2018, Mini John Cooper Works Buggy in 2020 and with the Audi RS Q e-tron in 2024. Adding these victories to his two World Rally Championships with Toyota in 1990 and 1992, he has also won two World Rally Championships with Toyota in 1990 and 1992.
This year’s victory in the event held in Saudi Arabia came after 12 tough stages and a spectacular duel with nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb. The podium was completed by Guillaume De Mevius (Overdrive) at 1h 20′ 25” and Sebastien Loeb at 1h 25′ 12”.
Carlos Sainz: “Mission accomplished. We have achieved our fourth Dakar. Many thanks to the entire Audi team, to all the people who have supported us and have been pushing us these two weeks. For me to win with this car is something special, I think Audi bet on a very special concept and have achieved this victory for them in this last opportunity is a pride. And thanks, of course, to my teammates and especially to Lucas who has done a great job”.