FIA release official statement over DISQUALIFICATION of Red Bull’s… read more
FIA Explains Decision to Disqualify Dakar Rally Champions, Including Red Bull Athlete Carlos Sainz Sr.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has released a statement clarifying the reasons behind the disqualification of two prominent drivers, including Red Bull athlete Carlos Sainz Sr., from the 2025 Dakar Rally. Sainz Sr., a 62-year-old motorsport legend, had entered the event as the reigning champion, having secured his fourth Dakar Rally title in 2024.
Sainz Sr.’s impressive career spans multiple disciplines, including rallying and racing. He boasts two World Rally Championship titles and has made history as the oldest Dakar Rally winner. Recently, he even had the opportunity to drive a Ferrari F1 car around the Fiorano track, courtesy of the team, as a farewell gift following his replacement by Lewis Hamilton.
However, Sainz Sr.’s 2025 Dakar Rally campaign came to an abrupt end when he suffered an accident during stage two, rolling his car and causing significant damage to the roll cage. Despite completing the stage, Sainz Sr. and nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb, who experienced a similar incident in stage three, were informed by the FIA that they would not be permitted to continue in the event.
The FIA’s decision was based on the extent of the damage to the roll cage, which rendered the vehicle non-compliant with safety regulations. According to Jerome Rousel, the FIA’s cross-country director, the rules governing roll cage damage are clear and have been in place for decades.
Rousel explained that once a car suffers an accident, it must undergo a thorough inspection by the commissaries before any repairs can be made. If the roll cage is damaged, the vehicle cannot continue in the event, as repairing the damage would require replacing the damaged tube with an identical one, which is not feasible in the midst of a rally.
Rousel emphasized that the FIA’s primary concern is safety, and the rules are in place to ensure that all competitors are protected. While the decision to disqualify Sainz Sr. and Loeb may have been disappointing for their fans, it is essential to prioritize safety in the high-risk environment of motorsport.
As the Dakar Rally continues, the FIA’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in motorsport. While Sainz Sr.’s disqualification may have been a setback for the Red Bull athlete, it highlights the FIA’s commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in the sport.
