Carlos Sainz Jr. Tests new Ford Raptor T1

The Sainz family is known for having racing in their blood, and it’s no surprise that father and son often swap cars like this time the Ford Raptor 1+ Dakar version. If you recall, in 2024 Ferrari gave Carlos Sainz Jr. a special farewell at the end of the F1 season, thanking him for the years spent with the team. Carlos Sainz Sr. was also invited and had the chance to test his son’s 2023 car on Ferrari’s private Fiorano circuit. The images of father and son chasing each other around the 4 km Fiorano track were unforgettable.

It didn’t take long for the spark between them to reignite, fueling the desire for new challenges. Recently, ahead of the 2026 Dakar Rally, Carlos Sainz Sr. joined his son for a private test of the new Ford Raptor T1+. The event took place in Spain, near Zaragoza, in an area that closely resembles the vast desert landscapes of the Dakar.

The opportunity was a golden one for the young driver, who took the wheel of the vehicle without hesitation. His words reflected awe and amazement, both at the car, described as a true “beast”, and at his father, who at the venerable age of 63 continues to take on challenges few could face.

The Ford Raptor tested by Carlos Sainz

The Ford Raptor T1+ was developed by Ford in collaboration with M-Sport to tackle the extreme conditions of the Dakar Rally, known for its demanding terrain and harsh environment. The vehicle is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine and highly adjustable suspension, designed to handle the most extreme sections of the world’s toughest rally.

Carlos Sainz Jr. documented the entire experience in a vlog on his YouTube channel, showcasing the test step by step. The video quickly caught the fans’ attention, reaching around 20,000 views within a few hours.