Carlos Sainz: I Could Race in F1 Until 2040

Carlos Sainz, the 32-year-old Spanish driver, is making headlines after declaring he could extend his Formula 1 career until 2040, when he would turn 45. In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Sainz shared his long-term plan, based on physical fitness, mental strength, and precedents set by other veteran drivers on the grid. Currently driving for Williams after leaving Ferrari, Sainz is in his 12th F1 season and has won four grand prix. He currently sits 16th in the drivers' championship, a position that reflects more on the limitations of the Williams car than his own talent. Sainz emphasized that the key to a long career is maintaining physical condition and motivation. "I think I'll stay in Formula 1 for as long as I can," he said. "24 races are a lot, but if you know how to take care of your body and mind, you can extend your career." He also pointed to his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., who won the Dakar Rally at age 61, as proof that elite-level motorsport performance is possible at an advanced age. However, the physical demands of Dakar and F1 are vastly different – F1 requires quick reflexes and sustained high G-forces. Sainz is currently the sixth-oldest driver on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso (45), Lewis Hamilton (41), Nico Hulkenberg (37), Valtteri Bottas (35), and Sergio Perez (35). Alonso is the oldest points scorer since 2026, while Hamilton is the oldest race winner since 2026. The presence of these veteran drivers is creating a new trend: older drivers occupying more seats, putting pressure on young talents from F2 and academies. This could be good news for Sainz, but also a challenge for the talent ecosystem. One of the most critical variables for Sainz's ambition is the 2026 regulation change. With new power unit regulations (increased electrification) and chassis rules with active aerodynamics, the physical demands of the car could shift. If the 2026 cars are lighter to drive, Sainz could maintain his form more easily; if they are more demanding, the 45-year-old target becomes harder. Williams is preparing for this opportunity, hoping to move up the midfield. If not, Sainz could be stuck at the back. Sainz acknowledged that motivation is key. "Right now, yes," he answered when asked if he still wants to race after many years. However, the hedge in his statement shows he understands the future depends on many factors: Williams' competitiveness, personal health, and changes in the racing environment. The current 24-race calendar – and potential expansion – is a significant physical and mental burden, especially entering one's 40s. A contrarian perspective: Sainz's ambition may be a driver-market positioning strategy. After being replaced by Ferrari by Hamilton, he needs to assert his long-term value. Publicly committing to 2040 makes him a stable investment for teams, especially as driver ages rise. The arrival of Cadillac in 2026 with Bottas and Perez – both over 35 – further reinforces this trend. However, the biggest risk is not Sainz's age, but Williams' competitiveness. If Williams cannot produce a strong enough car after 2026, all his physical and mental efforts will be in vain. F1 history shows only a handful of drivers have raced past 42 – Alonso, Hamilton, Michael Schumacher (comeback) – and Sainz wants to join this group. Can he do it? The answer depends on a combination of personal determination, advances in sports medicine, and above all, the performance of the Williams team. Conclusion: Carlos Sainz is not just dreaming a distant dream. He is building a plan based on real data: precedents of older drivers, regulation changes, and his own self-management. But F1 is not just about numbers. It's about adapting to the unknown. And Sainz, with the mindset of a data engineer, understands that better than anyone. If he succeeds, it will be one of the greatest stories in motorsport history. If not, at least he dared to challenge the limits of age and system.