Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who turns 30 at the Monza Grand Prix tomorrow, is beloved by his fans and teammates for several reasons. Here’s what you need to know about him
Carlos Sainz is the Spanish Formula 1 driver for Ferrari who has driven his way into the hearts of many a fan, whether it’s through his “smooth operating” on the track that often takes him to the podium, his sense of camaraderie with teammates and rival teams alike, or his swoon-worthy hair that looks impossibly good even after he wears a helmet.
The three-time race winner celebrates his 30th birthday at the Monza Grand Prix tomorrow, September 1—the home race of his team, no less—and to celebrate the occasion, we highlight five things you should know about Sainz.
Carlos Sainz comes from a racing family
Up until recently, Sainz was referred to as Carlos Sainz Jr, because his father, Carlos Sainz Sr, is a championship-winning rally driver who is still competing at age 62. It’s evident from Sainz’s posts on Instagram, as well as from the way he’s spoken about his dad on his YouTube channel and in interviews, just how important Sainz Sr is in his life and racing career. His manager is also a family member—cousin Carlos Oñoro Sainz, as is the Spanish tradition to share a name—who has been with him since the beginning of his career.