Sainz travels to Italy to support cycling champion friend Pogacar

Carlos Sainz took a break from his F1 duties to travel to Italy, where he and his girlfriend Rebecca Donaldson cheered on his friend, cycling world champion Tadej Pogacar, at the Milano-Sanremo race. The Williams driver celebrated on the podium after Pogacar secured a dramatic victory in the first major classic of the 2026 cycling season.

Why it matters:

While F1 drivers are intensely focused during the race season, their off-track pursuits and friendships with other elite athletes offer a glimpse into their personal lives and passions. Sainz's very public support for Pogacar highlights the crossover and mutual respect between top performers in different, highly demanding sports, showcasing a side of drivers beyond the cockpit.

The details:

• Sainz documented the trip in a video, stating his excitement to watch his "very good friend" attempt to win his first Milano-Sanremo.
• The Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar won the race, beating British rider Tom Pidcock in a final sprint.
• Sainz was immediately on hand to greet Pogacar after he crossed the finish line and later joined the podium celebrations alongside the top finishers.
• After the event, a thrilled Sainz declared himself a "big fanboy," emphasizing his personal support for his friend's achievement.

What's next:

With the F1 season on a brief hiatus before the next round, drivers like Sainz use this time for rest and personal engagements. This public display of support for another sport will soon give way to a return to Formula 1, where Sainz will be back in the Williams garage, fully focused on the ongoing championship battle.