Sainz reveals ambition to race at Le Mans after Formula 1 career

Carlos Sainz has mapped out his post-Formula 1 future, revealing that the 24 Hours of Le Mans sits at the top of his bucket list. Speaking on the Team Torque podcast alongside Williams team-mate Alex Albon, the 31-year-old said he sees himself competing in another category within 10 to 15 years, also floating the idea of a GT3 campaign with friends.

Why it matters:

Sainz's ambition reflects a growing trend of grand prix drivers viewing endurance racing as the ultimate second act, with Le Mans now seen as the premier destination for former F1 talent. His comments offer a rare candid look at the mental toll of Formula 1, where he acknowledged the weight of team responsibility and suggested a future focused on "pure enjoyment" rather than relentless results-driven pressure.

The details:

• On the podcast, Sainz confirmed that Le Mans is a key goal once his F1 career concludes, specifically eyeing the top-tier Hypercar class.
• He also mused about assembling a GT3 team with friends, emphasizing that future racing would be about fun and experiencing motorsport from a different perspective.
• The Spaniard contrasted this with his current reality at Williams, where he sits 15th in the 2026 drivers' standings with six points, while the team languishes ninth in the constructors' championship with just 11 points.
• Sainz explained that while today's F1 demands standing up for a team and delivering under pressure, he looks forward to a time when he can race simply for himself.

What's next:

• The F1 paddock is currently on its summer break, with action resuming at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort from August 21-23.
• Although a Le Mans debut remains years away, Sainz joins an expanding roster of F1 drivers eyeing endurance careers, suggesting a competitive Hypercar seat could await once he steps away from the grand prix grid.