FIA Clarifies Disqualification of Carlos Sainz Sr. and Sébastien Loeb from 2025 Dakar Rally Over Safety Concerns
The FIA has provided a detailed explanation regarding the disqualification of motorsport legends Carlos Sainz Sr. and Sébastien Loeb from the 2025 Dakar Rally. Both drivers were forced to withdraw due to damage sustained to their vehicles’ roll cages, a critical safety component. The governing body emphasized the importance of maintaining strict safety regulations, particularly in extreme off-road competitions like the Dakar Rally.
Carlos Sainz Sr.’s Disappointing Exit
Carlos Sainz Sr., a veteran of rally racing and a four-time Dakar Rally champion, entered the 2025 edition of the race with high expectations. Having secured his fourth Dakar title in 2024, the 62-year-old Spaniard was determined to build on his success. Sainz, who has also won two World Rally Championship (WRC) titles, had recently made headlines with a symbolic farewell drive in a Ferrari Formula 1 car before Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at the team.
His 2025 Dakar campaign, however, ended abruptly during the second stage of the rally. While navigating the treacherous terrain in his Ford Raptor, Sainz suffered a dramatic rollover. Although he managed to complete the stage, the impact left his car’s roll cage severely damaged. Given the FIA’s strict regulations regarding roll cage integrity, officials determined that the vehicle could not continue.
The roll cage serves as a crucial structural element in rally vehicles, designed to protect drivers in case of high-speed crashes. A compromised roll cage significantly increases the risk of injury, which is why the FIA enforces strict rules prohibiting damaged roll cages from being repaired and reused during an event.
Sébastien Loeb’s Early Departure
Sébastien Loeb, another legendary rally driver, faced a similar fate. The nine-time WRC champion and seasoned Dakar competitor was disqualified after crashing in the third stage. His vehicle also sustained roll cage damage, which led to his immediate removal from the competition.
Both Sainz and Loeb’s incidents highlight the brutal nature of the Dakar Rally, where unpredictable terrain and high-speed challenges push even the most experienced drivers to their limits. The decision to disqualify them was met with disappointment from fans but reinforced the FIA’s commitment to ensuring driver safety above all else.
FIA’s Strict Safety Regulations
Following the disqualification of the two high-profile drivers, FIA Cross-Country Director Jérôme Roussel addressed the matter, explaining the rationale behind the decision. He emphasized that roll cage integrity is one of the most fundamental safety aspects in motorsport.
“As soon as a vehicle experiences an accident, it must be inspected by event officials before any repairs are undertaken. If the roll cage is found to be damaged, the car cannot continue,” Roussel stated.
The Dakar Rally presents unique challenges due to its remote and rugged environment. While roll cages can technically be repaired, the process requires precise engineering and specialized equipment, which are not available in the middle of the desert. In competitive rallying, any form of makeshift repairs—such as welding or reinforcing a damaged section—would not meet homologation standards and could endanger the driver.
“To restore a vehicle to a homologated standard, the roll cage must be replaced with an identical one. This is not feasible during the rally,” Roussel added. This regulation ensures that no damaged vehicle is allowed to continue, preventing potential accidents caused by weakened structural integrity.
Safety Comes First in Motorsport
The FIA has long maintained rigorous safety protocols across all forms of motorsport, and the Dakar Rally is no exception. The organization’s unwavering commitment to driver safety takes precedence over any competitive considerations. While the disqualification of Sainz and Loeb was unfortunate, it underscored the governing body’s dedication to upholding these standards.
For Sainz, the premature end to his 2025 campaign was undoubtedly frustrating, as he was aiming for a record-extending fifth Dakar title. However, his legacy remains firmly established as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, with numerous accolades spanning decades.
Similarly, Loeb’s exit does little to diminish his reputation as one of rallying’s all-time greats. His career achievements, including multiple podium finishes in the Dakar Rally, cement his status among the elite in motorsport history.
The 2025 Dakar Rally has once again demonstrated the extreme challenges faced by competitors. The disqualification of two of the sport’s most renowned drivers serves as a reminder of the event’s unforgiving nature and the crucial role that safety regulations play in protecting competitors. While Sainz and Loeb’s departures were disappointing, the FIA’s decision reinforced the fundamental principle that in motorsport, safety must always come first.
