Colleague in the same boat

Sainz worries about his father: “I ask him all the time”

Carlos Sainz Jr. (right) with his father Carlos Sr. and his mother Reyes Vasquez de Castro.(Bild: APA/AFP/FRANCK FIFE)

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has spoken out about his father in the run-up to the race weekend in China. His son cannot quite understand why Sainz Senior continues to take the risk of rallying. But the 29-year-old cannot convince his father to stop. The Spaniard receives understanding from Max Verstappen. 

His father would take more risks than he would, emphasizes Sainz Junior. The 62-year-old recently won the Dakar Rally for the fourth time. However, quitting racing is not an option for the Spaniard. Even though he has already survived several accidents in his career. 

Sergio Perez (left) and Max Verstappen(Bild: APA/AFP/Philip FONG)

This causes displeasure among his son: "I keep asking him why he continues when he could be at home playing golf and spending time with my mother. But racing plays a prominent role in his father's life: "He just wants to be at the Dakar and drive two or three rallies a year. There is no way of convincing him otherwise." 

Perez "reassures" his colleagues
His rival Max Verstappen is sympathetic to the Ferrari driver's concerns. "My father started rallying three years ago. When I look at his onboard footage, I think he takes more risks than I do," says the Dutchman. He jokes to his colleague: "Maybe your mother is also happy that he is doing this, then she has some free time." 

Don't worry, my father is in politics, he lives a much more dangerous life!

Sergio Perez

Sainz, meanwhile, also believes that the challenge keeps his father fit. However, there would always be an uneasy feeling: "You risk a lot there, because the accidents are intense, but the safety is also good. That's positive, but I have the feeling that he risks more than I do." 

Finally, Sergio Perez also joins in the debate to cheer things up. With a good dose of humor, he addresses Verstappen and Sainz: "Don't worry, my father is in politics, he lives a much more dangerous life. You don't have to worry, guys!"