Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Carlos Sainz reflects on the moments that shaped him—from a toddler drifting a go-kart to standing on Formula 1 podiums and overcoming career-defining setbacks. Looking back at family photos, breakthrough races, and unforgettable comebacks, he shares how a passion for racing was ingrained from an early age, crediting the influence of his father’s legendary career as a rally driver and the talent he believes was passed along in his genes. Along the way, he reveals how hard work and a fearless “nothing to lose” mindset helped him chase the flow state that every driver dreams of.
Carlos also opens up about the relationships that have defined his journey, from competing against Lewis Hamilton to forming close friendships with former teammates Lando Norris at McLaren and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. He shares the pride he felt returning from appendicitis to win against the odds, as well as the life he enjoys away from the track with his beloved dog, Piñón. From viral “Smooth Operator” singalongs to red carpets in Cannes, Carlos offers a candid look at the competitor, teammate, and person behind the helmet.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Carlos Sainz’s Life in Photos
0:23 – First Kart (1998)
1:19 – First F1 Podium (2019)
2:41 – Smooth Operator (2019)
3:29 – Carlos and Lando Norris (2019)
4:56 – Appendicitis Surgery (2024)
6:04 – Carlos and Piñón (2024)
6:52 – Carlos and Charles Leclerc (2025)
8:07 – First Podium with Atlassian Williams F1 Team (2025)
9:01 – Carlos at Cannes (2026)
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Carlos Sainz reflects on the moments that shaped him—from a toddler drifting a go-kart to standing on Formula 1 podiums and overcoming career-defining setbacks. Looking back at family photos, breakthrough races, and unforgettable comebacks, he shares how a passion for racing was ingrained from an early age, crediting the influence of his father’s legendary career as a rally driver and the talent he believes was passed along in his genes. Along the way, he reveals how hard work and a fearless “nothing to lose” mindset helped him chase the flow state that every driver dreams of.
Carlos also opens up about the relationships that have defined his journey, from competing against Lewis Hamilton to forming close friendships with former teammates Lando Norris at McLaren and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari. He shares the pride he felt returning from appendicitis to win against the odds, as well as the life he enjoys away from the track with his beloved dog, Piñón. From viral “Smooth Operator” singalongs to red carpets in Cannes, Carlos offers a candid look at the competitor, teammate, and person behind the helmet.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Carlos Sainz’s Life in Photos
0:23 – First Kart (1998)
1:19 – First F1 Podium (2019)
2:41 – Smooth Operator (2019)
3:29 – Carlos and Lando Norris (2019)
4:56 – Appendicitis Surgery (2024)
6:04 – Carlos and Piñón (2024)
6:52 – Carlos and Charles Leclerc (2025)
8:07 – First Podium with Atlassian Williams F1 Team (2025)
9:01 – Carlos at Cannes (2026)
Subscribe to People ►► bit.ly/SubscribetoPeople
Download the free PEOPLE App: 📱 bit.ly/3H0bthA
*CONNECT*
Web: 💻 people.com
Facebook: facebook.com/peoplemag
Instagram: instagram.com/people
TikTok: tiktok.com/@people
*PEOPLE* remains the trusted authority at the center of pop culture. The PEOPLE brand features a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time.
youtube.com/user/people
