Carlos Sainz Jr.#Career summary

Carlos Sainz Vázquez de Castro{{efn|name="fullname"}} was born on 1 September 1994 in Madrid, Spain, to father Carlos Sainz and his wife Reyes Vázquez de Castro. His father is a rally driver, who won the World Rally Championship twice in {{WRC|1990}} and {{WRC|1992}}, with 26 rally victories.{{Cite web |title=An ode to my father, The Matador – By Carlos Sainz {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.an-ode-to-my-father-the-matador-by-carlos-sainz.7saIomlHJ2LMWJq100FBgv.html |access-date=6 November 2022 |website=www.formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106203629/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.an-ode-to-my-father-the-matador-by-carlos-sainz.7saIomlHJ2LMWJq100FBgv.html |url-status=live }} Sainz Jr. was mentored by his father throughout his journey to F1.

In 2016, Sainz was named Ambassador of María de Villota's Legacy, as he was coached by her at driving school in Madrid. He has spoken about how he was personally affected by her death in 2013, and he has kept a star on his helmet since 2014 in honor of her.

Sainz started his career in karting in 2006, after participating in smaller series, in 2008, he won the Asia-Pacific KF3 title, as well as finishing runner-up in the Spanish Championship.{{cite web |url=https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/carlos-sainz-jr/ |title=Carlos Sainz Jr. |work=Driver Database |access-date=1 January 2017 |archive-date=18 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918153050/https://www.driverdb.com/drivers/carlos-sainz-jr/ |url-status=live }} In 2009, he also won the Junior Monaco Kart Cup, and was runner-up in the European KF3 Championship. While at driving school in Madrid, he was coached by María de Villota.{{Cite web |date=1 June 2016 |title=Carlos Sainz, ambassador of Maria de Villota's Legacy |url=https://www.carlossainz.es/en/carlos-sainz-ambassador-of-maria-de-villotas-legacy.html |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=carlossainz.es}}

File:Carlos Sainz Jr 2010 Formula BMW Malaysia April.jpg at Sepang International Circuit]]

Sainz raced in Formula BMW Europe in 2010 with the EuroInternational team. He was also part of the Red Bull Junior Team programme. He made his Formula BMW debut during a guest drive in the Formula BMW Pacific series at Sepang, Malaysia where he was ineligible to score points as a guest driver. However, he placed second in the opening race in Malaysia. That debut was followed by a 4th place. The following race day, he retired from the first race but won the second race. He finished 7th in the following race. He missed the next race in China but returned to Singapore. He finished 6th in the first race and 2nd in the second race. He missed the Japanese races but returned to win the season finale in Macau. Overall, in 9 races he achieved 3 pole positions, 2 wins, and 2 fastest laps.

In Formula BMW Europe, he started his career with a podium position of 3rd and 6th place at the Circuit de Catalunya. At Zandvoort, he took 5th and 2nd place. At Valencia, he scored 7th and 10th place. A weekend at Silverstone saw him take 3rd place and a victory in the following race, his first that season. Hockenheim saw him take 11th and 6th place. A 4th and a podium position of 3rd. Robin Frijns was on a charge, scoring a podium position in every race but 3, two of which he finished in 4th. A double retirement at Spa put him out of championship contention. An 8th and 6th at the season finale at Monza followed. He finished the season 4th with 227 points.

Sainz also competed in the UK Formula Renault Winter Cup, finishing 6th in the first race and retiring from the second race at Snetterton.

During the 2012 season, Sainz raced in both British and Euro Series Formula 3 championships. Racing for Carlin, he won four races, finished nine times on the podium, as well as scoring a pole position in the British championship, finishing sixth overall in the final championship standings. He scored two podiums and two pole positions in the Euro Series championship, finishing in ninth position overall.

File:GP3-Belgium-2013-Sprint Race-Carlos Sainz junior.jpg Arden during the 2013 GP3 Series, at Spa-Francorchamps]]

In 2013, Sainz signed with Arden to compete in the GP3 series. During the first qualifying session of the year, he qualified in 5th place, 5 tenths off of pole sitter Kevin Korjus. However, he, as well as Alex Fontana and Patrick Kujala, were penalised 10 places for ignoring yellow flags during free practice. During the beginning of race one, Sainz got up to 13th place by passing Alex Fontana and Jimmy Eriksson off the start. By the start of lap 3, he was 13 seconds behind the leader. Sainz made it up to 8th place with his teammate Daniil Kvyat until both cars lacked grip. Because they were both pushing to get into the top ten for points, neither driver decided to manage their Pirelli tyres and so by the end of the race, Kvyat was 20th and Sainz was 15th. He finished 51 seconds off first placed man Tio Ellinas.

Sainz started in 15th place for race 2 on Sunday morning. At the end of lap 1, he was in 9th place. As they approached lap 2, the safety car was deployed due to an accident behind, giving Sainz time to save his tyres. With 5 laps remaining, Sainz was up to 8th place. During the next lap, he put a move on Jack Harvey's ART car to move up into 7th place. Sainz eventually would finish in 7th place. However, post race investigating revealed that Sainz's car was underweight, so he was disqualified from the final results from race 2, thus scoring no points. His teammate, Kvyat, retired during the race due to contact with another driver.

In Valencia, Sainz began, and finished, the race in 8th place. In race 2, he started in 4th place and got up to 3rd place by the end of lap 1. He remained in that position, scoring a podium for the first time in GP3. Sainz obtained 24 world championship points, 4 for fastest laps in both races. He was now in 6th place in the championship overall.

During the first race in Silverstone, Sainz was squeezed off track, falling to 9th place. By mid distance, Sainz overtook Lewis Williamson to get into 8th place. Williamson then moved alongside Sainz to try and overtake but Sainz kept moving over towards him until there was contact. Williamson was sent into a spin whilst Sainz continued to circulate round the track. Due to the damage to his car, Sainz fell down the order until he crossed the finish line in 13th place. In race 2, he finished where he started, in 13th place.

File:WsbR-Germany-2014-Race1-Carlos Sainz.jpg during the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, at the Nürburgring. He took the fifth of seven victories during the 2014 season at the Nürburgring, en route to the championship title.]]

Sainz raced in Formula Renault 3.5 for the first time in 2013.{{Cite web |date=2013-05-17 |title=Carlos Sainz Jr joins Monaco Formula Renault 3.5 field |url=https://www.autosport.com/formula-v8-35/news/carlos-sainz-jr-joins-monaco-formula-renault-35-field-4465705/4465705/ |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=www.autosport.com |language=en |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105083501/https://www.autosport.com/formula-v8-35/news/carlos-sainz-jr-joins-monaco-formula-renault-35-field-4465705/4465705/ |url-status=live }} However, he missed several races in his first season{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Peter |date=2013-11-27 |title=2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series season review |url=https://formulascout.com/2013-formula-renault-3-5-series-season-review/11976 |access-date=2023-11-05 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105083502/https://formulascout.com/2013-formula-renault-3-5-series-season-review/11976 |url-status=live }} most likely due to his commitment towards GP3. In Monaco, he finished 6th place, most probably due to a challenging start to his GP3 season. He then experienced a double retirement in Spa. He also missed the races in [https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2013-moscow-formula-renault-3-5-2/ Moscow] and Austria. However, he made a comeback in Hungary, securing a 7th-place finish in Race 1. In Race 2, he faced several issues and finished in 22nd place. In France, at the Circuit de Paul Ricard, he had another double retirement. In the last race weekend of the year in Catalunya, he retired in race 1 but managed to score 6th place.

In 2014, he switched teams to DAMS. In the season opener at Monza, he finished 18th in the first race but won the second. He left Monza with 25 points, beating his previous seasons' score by 3 points. Another win at Aragon meant he doubled his score and in race 2, he finished in 4th. Another 4th place followed at the one race in Monaco. The weekend at Spa followed with another 2 wins. Moscow followed. 14th and 6th meant that he only took 8 points from a possible 50. At the Nürburgring GP Circuit, he won race 1 but in race 2, he retired. In Hungary, he was no match for Roberto Merhi who led by half a minute from the rest of the field in the wet. Another 6th place followed in race 2. In France, he won and scored a total of 50 points to extend his championship lead over Merhi.

File:Carlos Sainz, Jr. Red Bull Racing 2013 Silverstone F1 Test 001.jpg at the Young Driver Test at Silverstone in July 2013]]

Sainz became part of the Red Bull Junior Team in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/five-things-about-carlos-sainz-joins-toro-rosso|title=Five things you should know about Carlos Sainz|website=redbull.com|date=2 August 2016|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430074723/https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/five-things-about-carlos-sainz-joins-toro-rosso|url-status=live}} His first experience in a Formula One car came at the young drivers' test at Silverstone Circuit in July 2013, where he drove both the Toro Rosso STR8 and the Red Bull RB9.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-sets-fastest-time-on-day-2-of-ydt-at-silverstone/437632/|title=Ricciardo sets fastest time on day 2 of YDT at Silverstone|website=motorsport.com|date=18 July 2013|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430074725/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-sets-fastest-time-on-day-2-of-ydt-at-silverstone/437632/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-topped-the-timesheets-on-final-day-of-ydt-at-silverstone/437863/|title=Vettel topped the timesheets on final day of YDT at Silverstone|website=motorsport.com|date=19 July 2013|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430074727/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/vettel-topped-the-timesheets-on-final-day-of-ydt-at-silverstone/437863/|url-status=live}} Sainz confirmed that discussions had taken place with the struggling Caterham team for a race debut during the {{F1|2014}} season but, ultimately, no agreement was reached.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-jr-confirms-caterham-talks/453986/|title=Sainz jr confirms Caterham talks|website=motorsport.com|date=11 July 2014|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430074728/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-jr-confirms-caterham-talks/453986/|url-status=live}} As a reward for his Formula Renault 3.5 Series title, Sainz drove the Red Bull RB10 in the post-season test after the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f3.5/news/the-formula-renault-3-5-series-champion-at-the-wheel-of-the-rb10-at-abu-dhabi/459150/|title=The Formula Renault 3.5 Series Champion at the wheel of the RB10 at Abu Dhabi|website=motorsport.com|date=24 November 2014|access-date=30 April 2014|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430074723/https://www.motorsport.com/f3.5/news/the-formula-renault-3-5-series-champion-at-the-wheel-of-the-rb10-at-abu-dhabi/459150/|url-status=live}}

File:Carlos Sainz Jr 2015 Malaysia FP3 1.jpg]]

Sainz drove for Scuderia Toro Rosso in the {{F1|2015}} season where he partnered Max Verstappen, following Daniil Kvyat's promotion to Red Bull.{{cite news|date=28 November 2014|title=Sainz to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso|work=Scuderia Toro Rosso|publisher=Scuderia Toro Rosso S.p.A|url=http://www.scuderiatororosso.com/article/sainz-race-toro-rosso|access-date=28 November 2014|archive-date=10 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810130159/http://www.scuderiatororosso.com/article/sainz-race-toro-rosso|url-status=live}} Sainz selected 55 as his race number. He qualified inside the top ten for his debut, the {{F1 GP|2015|Australian}}, and finished the race in ninth position.{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118069|title=Lewis Hamilton beats Nico Rosberg to win|first=Lawrence|last=Barretto|work=Autosport|date=15 March 2015|access-date=15 March 2015|archive-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316231343/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/118069|url-status=live}} He scored points again at the {{F1 GP|2015|Malaysian}}, but failed to score at the {{F1 GP|2015|Chinese}} after spinning and then retired from the {{F1 GP|2015|Bahrain}} with a wheel issue. He qualified fifth at the {{F1 GP|2015|Spanish}}, his highest grid position of the year, and finished the race ninth. He was forced to start the {{F1 GP|2015|Monaco}} from the pit lane after failing to attend the weigh-bridge during qualifying. He recovered to tenth place in the race.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2015/monaco-gp-30/|title=Formula 1 2015 Monaco GP Results|date=24 May 2015|language=en|website=motorsport.com}}

Four consecutive retirements began with electrical failures at the Austrian and British Grands Prix, then a fuel pressure issue at the {{F1 GP|2015|Hungarian}} and a power unit issue at the {{F1 GP|2015|Belgian}}. A 150 km/h and 46 g impact into the barriers during practice for the {{F1 GP|2015|Russian}} resulted in Sainz spending the night in hospital.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-remembers-everything-from-46g-crash/649100/|title=Sainz remembers 'everything' from 46G crash|website=motorsport.com|date=11 October 2015|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430091453/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-remembers-everything-from-46g-crash/649100/|url-status=live}} He missed qualifying but was declared fit to race, however he failed to finish after a brake failure.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/34495346|title=Carlos Sainz to race in Russian Grand Prix after heavy crash|date=11 October 2015|last=Benson|first=Andrew|website=www.bbc.com|access-date=13 September 2017|archive-date=13 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013032854/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/34495346|url-status=live}} He crashed in qualifying for the {{F1 GP|2015|United States}} and started from last place, but gained ten positions on the first lap and went on to record his best finish of the year with seventh place. Sainz finished his debut season fifteenth in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 18 points to teammate Verstappen's 49.{{Cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/2015.aspx|title=2015|website=StatsF1.com|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317084611/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2015.aspx|url-status=live}}

File:Formula One 2016 Austrian GP (04) (28010377682).jpg]]

Toro Rosso retained Sainz and Verstappen for the {{F1|2016}} championship. Sainz qualified seventh and finished ninth at the season-opening {{F1 GP|2016|Australian}}, but retired from the {{F1 GP|2016|Bahrain}} due to a collision with Sergio Pérez. After the {{F1 GP|2016|Russian}}, Sainz gained a new teammate in Daniil Kvyat as Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull. Three points finishes followed for Sainz, including his best career finish with sixth place at the {{F1 GP|2016|Spanish}} and a drive from twentieth to ninth place at the {{F1 GP|2016|Canadian}}. After a suspension-related retirement at the {{F1 GP|2016|European}}, Sainz recorded three consecutive eighth-place finishes.

A run of six races without points followed, including retirement due to a puncture at the {{F1 GP|2016|Belgian}} and a first-lap collision with Nico Hülkenberg at the {{F1 GP|2016|Singapore}} having started sixth. Sainz equalled his best race result at the {{F1 GP|2016|United States}} with sixth place and scored the same result at the {{F1 GP|2016|Brazilian}} after starting fifteenth. He retired from the season-ending {{F1 GP|2016|Abu Dhabi}} due to a collision with Jolyon Palmer. Sainz ended the season twelfth in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 46 of Toro Rosso's 63 points.{{Cite web |title=2016 |website=StatsF1.com |url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/2016.aspx |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221154833/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2016.aspx |url-status=live }}

File:Carlos Sainz Jr 2017 Malaysia FP2 1.jpg]]

Sainz and Kvyat remained with Toro Rosso for the {{F1|2017}} season. Sainz scored points in the opening two races, but a collision with Lance Stroll eliminated him from the {{F1 GP|2017|Bahrain}}. Both drivers blamed each other for the incident, but Sainz was handed a grid penalty for the next race.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-gets-three-place-grid-penalty-for-russia-894824/894824/|title=Sainz gets three-place grid penalty for Russia|website=motorsport.com|date=16 April 2017|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430152120/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-gets-three-place-grid-penalty-for-russia-894824/894824/|url-status=dead}} Three points finishes followed including sixth place at the {{F1 GP|2017|Monaco}}. Sainz was again handed a grid penalty for a first-lap collision with Romain Grosjean and Felipe Massa at the {{F1 GP|2017|Canadian}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-sainz-penalty-baku-917580/917580/|title=Sainz gets three-place grid penalty for Baku|work=Motorsport.com|date=12 June 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405013819/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-sainz-penalty-baku-917580/917580/|url-status=live}} Sainz spun on the first lap of the {{F1 GP|2017|Azerbaijan}}, attempting to avoid a collision with teammate Kvyat, and recovered to finish eighth.{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-baku-sainz-sacrificed-kvyat-incident-923394/923394/|title=Sainz "sacrificed" himself in Kvyat Turn 1 incident|work=Motorsport.com|date=26 June 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|last=Elizalde|first=Pablo|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405015321/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-baku-sainz-sacrificed-kvyat-incident-923394/923394/|url-status=live}}

Prior to the {{F1 GP|2017|Austrian}}, Sainz commented that it was "unlikely" he would remain with Toro Rosso for a fourth year.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-toro-rosso-stay-unlikely-red-bull-927155/927155/|title=Sainz: Staying at Toro Rosso in 2018 "unlikely"|website=motorsport.com|first=Lawrence|last=Barretto|date=6 July 2017|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430152122/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-toro-rosso-stay-unlikely-red-bull-927155/927155/|url-status=live}} Red Bull team principal Christian Horner rejected this, stating that Sainz would race for Toro Rosso in {{F1|2018}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-horner-toro-rosso-exit-red-bull-927472/927472/|title=Sainz won't leave Toro Rosso in 2018 - Horner|website=motorsport.com|first=Adam|last=Cooper|date=7 July 2017|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430152123/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-horner-toro-rosso-exit-red-bull-927472/927472/|url-status=live}} Sainz retired from the Austrian Grand Prix with an engine problem{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2017/austrian-gp-159450/|title=Formula 1 2017 Austrian GP|work=Motorsport.com|date=9 July 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405013821/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2017/austrian-gp-159450/|url-status=live}} and was eliminated on the first lap of the {{F1 GP|2017|British}} after a collision with Kvyat.{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12471/10949984/watch-carlos-sainz-and-daniil-kvyat-crash|title=Daniil Kvyat three points away from F1 race ban after Carlos Sainz clash|date=1 August 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|work=Sky Sports|last1=Galloway|first1=James|last2=Morlidge|first2=Matt|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405015321/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12471/10949984/watch-carlos-sainz-and-daniil-kvyat-crash|url-status=live}} Prior to the {{F1 GP|2017|Singapore}} it was announced that Sainz would join Renault for 2018, on loan from Red Bull.{{cite web|url=https://www.racefans.net/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/|title=Red Bull loans Sainz to Renault for 2018|website=racefans.net|first=Keith|last=Collantine|date=15 September 2017|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=29 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529030807/https://www.racefans.net/2017/09/15/renault-confirms-sainz-alongside-hulkenberg-2018/|url-status=live}} He finished the race in a career-best fourth place, in what he described as his "best day in Formula One".{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/carlos-sainz-jr-singapore-gp-was-my-best-day-in-f1-after-best-finish-for-toro-rosso/3221835/|title=Carlos Sainz Jr: Singapore GP was 'my best day in F1' after fourth place finish for Toro Rosso|website=motorsport.com|date=18 September 2017|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430152117/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/carlos-sainz-jr-singapore-gp-was-my-best-day-in-f1-after-best-finish-for-toro-rosso/3221835/|url-status=live}} He was joined at Toro Rosso by Pierre Gasly for the {{F1 GP|2017|Malaysian}} after Kvyat was dropped by the team.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/20822622/red-bull-junior-pierre-gasly-replaces-daniil-kvyat-toro-rosso-malaysia|title=Red Bull junior Gasly replaces Kvyat for Malaysia|website=ESPN|date=26 September 2017|access-date=5 October 2017|archive-date=7 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107034313/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/20822622/red-bull-junior-pierre-gasly-replaces-daniil-kvyat-toro-rosso-malaysia|url-status=live}} Sainz retired from the race due to an engine problem. He crashed in practice for the {{F1 GP|2017|Japanese}} and again on the opening lap of the race.{{Cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/2017/japon/classement.aspx|title=Japan 2017 - Result|website=StatsF1.com|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218195100/http://www.statsf1.com/en/2017/japon/classement.aspx|url-status=live}} At this stage of the season, Sainz had scored 48 of Toro Rosso's 52 points.{{Cite web|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/2017/japon/championnat.aspx|title=Japan 2017 - Championship|website=StatsF1.com|access-date=18 March 2019|archive-date=7 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507114019/http://www.statsf1.com/en/2017/japon/championnat.aspx|url-status=live}}

File:Carlos Sainz 2017 Mexican Grand Prix.jpg]]

Sainz's move to Renault was brought forward and he replaced Jolyon Palmer and partnered Nico Hülkenberg at the team for the final four races of 2017, beginning with the {{F1 GP|2017|United States}} where he started and finished seventh.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/live-2017-formula-1-united-states-grand-prix/news-story/921264a87131b73a88e2ff47b8794a9d|title=Lewis Hamilton wins United States Grand Prix, Mercedes secures Constructors' Championship|work=Fox Sports Australia|date=23 October 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|agency=Agence France-Presse|archive-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024221951/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/live-2017-formula-1-united-states-grand-prix/news-story/921264a87131b73a88e2ff47b8794a9d|url-status=live}} Sainz made his way from eighth to fifth place on the first lap of the {{F1 GP|2017|Mexican}} but then spun and had to pit for new tyres. He later retired from the race with steering problems.{{cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mexican-gp-hamilton-clinches-title-as-verstappen-wins-race-972656/1374209/|work=Motorsport.com|title=Mexican GP: Hamilton clinches title, Verstappen wins race|date=30 October 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|last=Straw|first=Edd|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405015323/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mexican-gp-hamilton-clinches-title-as-verstappen-wins-race-972656/1374209/|url-status=live}} He failed to finish the season-ending {{F1 GP|2017|Abu Dhabi}} after he was released from a pit stop with a loose wheel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-gp-bottas-wins-race-hamilton-983100/1380874/|work=Motorsport.com|date=26 November 2017|access-date=5 April 2023|last=Barretto|first=Lawrence|title=Abu Dhabi GP: Bottas fends off Hamilton to win finale|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405020611/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-gp-bottas-wins-race-hamilton-983100/1380874/|url-status=live}} Sainz ended the 2017 season ninth in the Drivers' Championship, scoring 54 points.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/drivers.html|title=2017 Driver Standings|work=Formula 1|access-date=5 April 2023|archive-date=23 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023174116/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2017/drivers.html|url-status=live}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2018 Nr. 55 Sainz.jpg]]

Over the first eight races of 2018, Sainz qualified in the top ten at each of them and scored points in all but one, finishing eleventh at the {{F1 GP|2018|Bahrain}}. These results included the {{F1 GP|2018|Azerbaijan}} where he took advantage of a collision between Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo to finish a season-high position of fifth.{{Cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/carlos-sainz/grand-prix.aspx|title=Carlos SAINZ – Grands Prix started|website=StatsF1.com|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021205641/https://www.statsf1.com/en/carlos-sainz/grand-prix.aspx|url-status=live}} Sainz described his {{F1 GP|2018|Monaco}} as a "disaster" and criticised the team's tyre strategy having started eighth and finished tenth.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-very-bitter-after-monaco-gp-disaster-1042343/3104135/|title=Sainz "very bitter" after Monaco GP "disaster"|website=motorsport.com|first=Pablo|last=Elizalde|date=27 May 2018|access-date=1 May 2022|archive-date=1 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501110914/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-very-bitter-after-monaco-gp-disaster-1042343/3104135/|url-status=live}} He had run in sixth place for much of the {{F1 GP|2018|French}} but dropped to eighth place at the finish after his MGU-K failed.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-vsc-160bph-engine-problem-french-gp-1047443/3128717/|title=Sainz says VSC saved points finish after MGU-K failure|website=motorsport.com|first=Glenn|last=Freeman|date=24 June 2018|access-date=1 May 2022|archive-date=1 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501110915/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-vsc-160bph-engine-problem-french-gp-1047443/3128717/|url-status=live}} Three races without points followed, including a race-ending crash with Romain Grosjean at the {{F1 GP|2018|British}} and a penalty for overtaking during safety car conditions at the {{F1 GP|2018|German}}.

Sainz scored points at five of the next seven races, including a season's-best qualifying performance of fifth place at the {{F1 GP|2018|Hungarian}}. Damage received from contact with Sergey Sirotkin on the first lap of the {{F1 GP|2018|Russian}} resulted in a seventeenth-place finish. Battery issues caused Sainz's retirement from the {{F1 GP|2018|Mexican}}. He ended the season with a drive from eleventh on the grid to sixth place at the {{F1 GP|2018|Abu Dhabi}}. Sainz finished the season tenth in the Drivers' Championship, three places behind teammate Hülkenberg, scoring 53 points to Hülkenberg's 69. Sainz scored points in thirteen out of the nineteen races he finished.{{Cite web|url=http://www.statsf1.com/en/2018.aspx|title=2018|website=StatsF1.com|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229021324/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2018.aspx|url-status=live}} Sainz was replaced by Daniel Ricciardo at Renault for the following season, with the team opting to keep Hülkenberg on instead of Sainz.{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24239/11460976/daniel-ricciardo-explains-decision-to-quit-red-bull-for-renault|title=Daniel Ricciardo explains decision to quit Red Bull for Renault|work=Sky Sports|date=6 December 2018|access-date=5 April 2023|last=Gill|first=Pete|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405015405/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24239/11460976/daniel-ricciardo-explains-decision-to-quit-red-bull-for-renault|url-status=live}}

File:Carlos Sainz Jr. during Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix.jpg]]

Sainz moved to McLaren for the {{F1|2019}} season, ending his association with Red Bull. He replaced Fernando Alonso and partnered rookie Lando Norris.{{cite news|title=Carlos Sainz to race for McLaren from 2019|url=https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/inside-the-mtc/carlos-sainz-race-mclaren-2019/|publisher=McLaren Formula One Team|date=16 August 2018|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-date=9 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509135633/https://www.mclaren.com/formula1/inside-the-mtc/carlos-sainz-race-mclaren-2019/|url-status=dead}} Sainz had an unlucky start to the season with no points in the first three races due to an engine fire at the {{F1 Gp|2019|Australian}} and first-lap collisions at the Bahrain and Chinese Grands Prix. Sainz consistently scored points thereafter, often finishing as the highest-placed driver behind the top three teams of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull. He scored points at eight of the next nine races; notable results were finishing eighth at the {{F1 GP|2019|Austrian}} having started nineteenth, and fifth place at the {{F1 GP|2019|German}} despite an incident where he spun and stopped on a wet section of the track.

Sainz encountered power issues and retired on the second lap of the {{F1 GP|2019|Belgian}}.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.leclerc-holds-off-hamilton-to-take-emotional-maiden-grand-prix-victory.7peJjlJIqpoCQC8cT24u23.html|date=1 September 2019|access-date=9 April 2023|work=Formula 1|title=Leclerc holds off Hamilton to take emotional maiden Grand Prix victory|archive-date=2 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902052859/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.leclerc-holds-off-hamilton-to-take-emotional-maiden-grand-prix-victory.7peJjlJIqpoCQC8cT24u23.html|url-status=live}} At the subsequent {{F1 GP|2019|Italian}}, he was forced to retire when a wheel was fitted incorrectly during a pit stop.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-report-highlight-italian-grand-prix-2019.20aaFWDlFBaXWeCuimUnpR.html|title=Dazzling Leclerc fends off both Mercedes to end Ferrari's Monza win-drought|date=8 September 2019|access-date=9 April 2023|work=Formula 1|archive-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409105341/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-report-highlight-italian-grand-prix-2019.20aaFWDlFBaXWeCuimUnpR.html|url-status=live}} Then at the {{F1 GP|2019|Singapore}}, a collision with Nico Hülkenberg and a long pit stop caused him to finish outside the points positions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-report-highlight-singapore-grand-prix-2019.6dwF1Ea7RzSbwtt8jwKzyZ.html|date=22 September 2019|access-date=9 April 2023|work=Formula 1|title=Opportunistic Vettel snatches Singapore victory to end barren run|archive-date=17 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117103301/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-report-highlight-singapore-grand-prix-2019.6dwF1Ea7RzSbwtt8jwKzyZ.html|url-status=live}} At the {{F1 GP|2019|Brazilian}}, Sainz started in twentieth and last place following an engine problem in qualifying. He had made his way to fifth place by the penultimate lap, which became fourth place when Alex Albon was spun around by Lewis Hamilton ahead. Sainz was later elevated to third place after Hamilton received a penalty, earning him his first podium in Formula One.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-wait-is-over-sainz-celebrates-his-first-f1-podium-and-mclarens-first-since-2014.5SgYxOmvd1rJyNnyV6PsSR.html|work=Formula 1|date=17 November 2019|access-date=9 April 2023|title=The wait is over! Sainz celebrates his first F1 podium - and McLaren's first in 2,072 days|archive-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409105341/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-wait-is-over-sainz-celebrates-his-first-f1-podium-and-mclarens-first-since-2014.5SgYxOmvd1rJyNnyV6PsSR.html|url-status=live}} At the season-ending {{F1 GP|2019|Abu Dhabi}}, Sainz passed Hülkenberg on the final lap to take tenth place, scoring one point and earning sixth place in the drivers' championship, one point ahead of Pierre Gasly and four ahead of Albon, both of whom spent part of the season in the superior Red Bull.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-race-report-highlights.3W60C6jaqAMKYqcblkhGqg.html|title=Hamilton rounds off title-winning season with dominant Abu Dhabi win|date=1 December 2019|access-date=9 April 2023|work=Formula 1|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202061826/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.abu-dhabi-grand-prix-2019-race-report-highlights.3W60C6jaqAMKYqcblkhGqg.html|url-status=live}} Sainz scored 96 points over the season, compared to 49 for teammate Norris.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2019/drivers.html|title=2019 Driver Standings|access-date=9 April 2023|archive-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526191916/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2019/drivers.html|url-status=live}}

File:Carlos Sainz, 2020 pre-season testing.jpg]]

Sainz remained at McLaren alongside Norris for 2020, and began the season with a fifth-place finish at the {{F1 GP|2020|Austrian}}. He qualified third for the {{F1 GP|2020|Styrian}}, his best career qualifying result at that time. A slow pit stop contributed to him dropping to ninth place by the finish, however Sainz achieved his first fastest lap in Formula One and in doing so set a new Red Bull Ring track record.{{Cite web|last=George|first=Dhruv|date=14 July 2020|title=Carlos Sainz Jr Breaks Lap Record at Styrian Grand Prix|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-carlos-sainz-jr-breaks-lap-record-at-styrian-grand-prix/|access-date=15 July 2020|website=EssentiallySports|language=en-US|archive-date=8 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408015211/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-carlos-sainz-jr-breaks-lap-record-at-styrian-grand-prix/|url-status=live}} Sainz was in fourth place with two laps of the {{F1 GP|2020|British}} remaining but suffered a tyre puncture and was ultimately classified thirteenth. He started the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix outside the top ten, but had progressed to fourth place when he entered the pits. A slow pit stop then dropped him back and he went on to finish thirteenth.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.exasperated-sainz-rues-slow-pitstop-at-silverstone-and-consecutive-setbacks.IUU4XgoTFGdp6Gr5UxWLL.html|title=Exasperated Sainz rues slow pit stop at Silverstone and 'consecutive setbacks'|website=Formula1.com|date=11 August 2020|access-date=3 June 2022|archive-date=2 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402114348/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.exasperated-sainz-rues-slow-pitstop-at-silverstone-and-consecutive-setbacks.IUU4XgoTFGdp6Gr5UxWLL.html|url-status=live}} He finished his home race, the {{F1 GP|2020|Spanish}}, in sixth place, but then failed to start the {{F1 GP|2020|Belgian}} due to a power unit issue on a reconnaissance lap.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=31 August 2020|title=McLaren awaiting analysis of Sainz PU that caused F1 Belgian GP DNS|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151802/mclaren-awaiting-sainz-pu-analysis-after-spa-dns|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Autosport|language=en|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901140938/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151802/mclaren-awaiting-sainz-pu-analysis-after-spa-dns|url-status=live}}

At the {{F1 GP|2020|Italian}}, Sainz qualified third behind the two Mercedes drivers. He lost places during the pit stops and was in sixth place when the race was red-flagged for Charles Leclerc's accident. He passed three cars and benefited from Lewis Hamilton's penalty to move up to second place behind Pierre Gasly with twenty laps remaining. He ultimately finished 0.4 seconds behind Gasly to take his second podium and what was at the time his career best race finish.{{Cite web|title=Italian Grand Prix 2020 race report and highlights: Gasly beats Sainz to maiden win in Monza thriller, as Hamilton recovers to P7 after penalty|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gasly-takes-maiden-win-in-monza-thriller-from-sainz-as-penalty-leaves.2wjQyiSgOy8ggwcJlWHhsi.html|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Formula1.com|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230949/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gasly-takes-maiden-win-in-monza-thriller-from-sainz-as-penalty-leaves.2wjQyiSgOy8ggwcJlWHhsi.html|url-status=live}} Sainz retired from the next two races; he was involved in a multi-car start-line accident at the {{F1 GP|2020|Tuscan}} and then crashed into a wall on the first lap of the {{F1 GP|2020|Russian}}. Seven consecutive points finishes then followed. He finished sixth at the {{F1 GP|2020|Portuguese}} having briefly led the race after gaining six positions in the first two laps. He started the {{F1 GP|2020|Turkish}} in fifteenth place due to a penalty for impeding Sergio Pérez in qualifying, but gained six positions on the first lap and went on to finish fifth.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-seals-historic-7th-title-with-peerless-wet-weather-victory-in.4wK1atemiXDvWXQxOknL4J.html|title=Hamilton seals historic 7th title with peerless wet-weather victory in Turkey|date=15 November 2020|access-date=14 April 2023|work=Formula 1|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117064210/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-seals-historic-7th-title-with-peerless-wet-weather-victory-in.4wK1atemiXDvWXQxOknL4J.html|url-status=live}} A brake failure in qualifying at the {{F1 GP|2020|Bahrain}} caused him to qualify fifteenth, but he progressed to fifth place by the end of the race.{{Cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12148202/f1-driver-ratings-lewis-hamilton-mclarens-sergio-perez-shine-at-bahrain-gp|work=Sky Sports|date=1 December 2020|access-date=13 April 2023|title=F1 Driver Ratings: Lewis Hamilton, McLarens, Sergio Perez shine at Bahrain GP|archive-date=13 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413065956/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12148202/f1-driver-ratings-lewis-hamilton-mclarens-sergio-perez-shine-at-bahrain-gp|url-status=live}}

Sainz finished the 2020 season sixth in the Drivers' Championship for the second consecutive year. He accumulated 105 points to Norris's 97 and claimed six top-five finishes which, at the time, were both career highs.{{Cite web|last=Haldenby|first=Nicky|date=19 December 2020|title=Carlos Sainz's 2020 F1 Season In Statistics|url=https://www.lightsoutblog.com/2020/12/19/carlos-sainzs-2020-f1-season-in-statistics/|url-status=live|access-date=7 September 2021|website=Lights Out|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220130026/https://www.lightsoutblog.com/2020/12/19/carlos-sainzs-2020-f1-season-in-statistics/ |archive-date=20 December 2020 }}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 55 Sainz.jpg]]

Sainz joined Scuderia Ferrari on a two-year contract from the {{f1|2021}} season partnering Charles Leclerc and replacing Sebastian Vettel.{{Cite web|title=Carlos Sainz confirmed as Charles Leclerc's Ferrari team mate for 2021, replacing Sebastian Vettel|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html|website=Formula1.com|access-date=14 May 2020|date=14 May 2020|archive-date=16 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116155359/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-confirmed-as-leclercs-ferrari-team-mate-for-2021.5dSxBMUOyivTKN67Qx28Tl.html|url-status=live}} He qualified and finished in eighth place at the Bahrain Grand Prix, his first race for the team.{{Cite web|title=Formula 1 2021 Bahrain GP Results|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2021/bahrain-gp-483475/?st=RACE|website=motorsport.com|access-date=29 April 2021|date=29 April 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429114616/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2021/bahrain-gp-483475/?st=RACE|url-status=live}} He started eleventh at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix but progressed to fifth place by the end of the race.{{Cite web|title=Formula 1 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Results|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2021/emilia-romagna-grand-prix/results|website=bbc.com|access-date=29 April 2021|date=29 April 2021|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429114613/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/2021/emilia-romagna-grand-prix/results|url-status=live}} He failed to score points at the {{F1 GP|2021|Portuguese}} despite starting fifth, stating "we got it wrong with strategy".{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-got-it-wrong-with-strategy-says-sainz-as-he-misses-out-on-points-from-p5.1wroWW4AyaW0FtQ3TTnAdT.html|title='We got it wrong with strategy' says Sainz as he misses out on points from P5 on the grid|website=Formula1.com|date=2 May 2021|access-date=18 June 2022|archive-date=18 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618085133/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-got-it-wrong-with-strategy-says-sainz-as-he-misses-out-on-points-from-p5.1wroWW4AyaW0FtQ3TTnAdT.html|url-status=live}} He took his third career podium and first with Ferrari at the {{F1 GP|2021|Monaco}}, where he benefited from Leclerc's failure to start and a pit stop issue for Valtteri Bottas to finish second.{{Cite web|title=Standings|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1067/monaco/race-result.html|access-date=23 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508175537/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1086/spain/race-result.html|url-status=live}} Tyre wear issues meant neither Ferrari driver scored points at the {{F1 GP|2021|French}}.{{Cite news |url= https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-ferraris-f1-tyre-degradation-twice-as-bad-as-rivals-in-france/6590399/ |title= Sainz: Ferrari's F1 tyre degradation twice as bad as rivals in France |work= Autosport |date= 20 June 2021 |access-date= 20 June 2021 |last= Smith |first= Luke |archive-date= 21 June 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210621003946/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-ferraris-f1-tyre-degradation-twice-as-bad-as-rivals-in-france/6590399/ |url-status= live |url-access=limited}}{{Cite news |url= https://the-race.com/formula-1/winners-and-losers-from-f1s-french-grand-prix/ |title= Winners and losers from F1's French Grand Prix |work= The Race |date= 20 June 2021 |access-date= 20 June 2021 |last1= Mitchell |first1= Scott |last2= Straw |first2= Edd |last3= Hansford |first3= Rob |last4= Suttill |first4= Josh |last5= Beer |first5= Matt |archive-date= 21 June 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210621003912/https://the-race.com/formula-1/winners-and-losers-from-f1s-french-grand-prix/ |url-status= live }} Sainz recovered from a twelfth-place start at the {{F1 GP|2021|Styrian}} to finish sixth. A collision with George Russell on the first lap of sprint qualifying at the {{F1 GP|2021|British}} dropped Sainz to the back of the field,{{Cite news|last=Crebolder|first=Finley|date=17 July 2021|title=Carlos Sainz: 'Obvious' George Russell mistake cost me|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-george-russell-error/|access-date=17 July 2021|work=PlanetF1|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717174659/https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-george-russell-error/|url-status=live}} but he recovered places in sprint qualifying and in the race to finish sixth.

Sainz crashed in qualifying for the {{F1 GP|2021|Hungarian}} and started fifteenth.{{Cite news |url= https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-calm-after-discovering-wind-gust-caused-hungarian-gp-qualifying-crash/6639897/ |title= Sainz "calm" after discovering wind gust caused Hungarian GP qualifying crash |last= Cooper |first= Adam |work= Autosport |date= 31 July 2021 |access-date= 31 July 2021 |archive-date= 31 July 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210731160808/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-calm-after-discovering-wind-gust-caused-hungarian-gp-qualifying-crash/6639897/ |url-status= live }} He finished fourth on track, but claimed his fourth career podium finish after Sebastian Vettel's disqualification.{{Cite web|title=Formula 1 2021 Hungarian GP Results {{!}} Formula 1 Race Results|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2021/hungarian-gp-483511/|access-date=26 September 2021|website=www.motorsport.com|language=en|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926172530/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/results/2021/hungarian-gp-483511/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=FORMULA 1 ROLEX MAGYAR NAGYDÍJ 2021 - RACE RESULT|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1073/hungary/race-result.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421184819/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2021/races/1073/hungary/race-result.html |archive-date=21 April 2021 }} He achieved his then-career-best qualifying position at the {{F1 GP|2021|Russian}}, starting second, and took the lead from former teammate Lando Norris on the first lap. Sainz went on to finish the race third.{{cite web|date=26 September 2021|title=Hamilton takes 100th F1 victory after late rain shower denies long-time leader Norris at Sochi|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-100th-f1-victory-after-late-rain-shower-denies-long-time.4pIst5Rju75ZKdmtcfIJpE.html|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926213406/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-100th-f1-victory-after-late-rain-shower-denies-long-time.4pIst5Rju75ZKdmtcfIJpE.html|url-status=live}} He recovered to eighth place at the {{F1 GP|2021|Turkish}} having started from the back of the grid due to engine component penalties. Sainz achieved his fourth podium of the season at the {{F1 GP|2021|Abu Dhabi}}, but criticised the handling of the final-lap restart as being positioned behind lapped cars "nearly cost [him his] podium".{{cite web |date=12 December 2021 |title='Why am I here?': Ricciardo reacts after getting surprise view of Max's 'crazy' F1 win |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2021-daniel-ricciardo-reaction-to-max-verstappen-win-lewis-hamilton-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/news-story/2112a4c9c221c6413af2be7428f0344c |access-date=13 December 2021 |website=Fox Sports |archive-date=13 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213004201/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2021-daniel-ricciardo-reaction-to-max-verstappen-win-lewis-hamilton-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/news-story/2112a4c9c221c6413af2be7428f0344c |url-status=live }}

Sainz ended the season fifth in the Drivers' Championship with 164.5 points, two positions and 5.5 points ahead of teammate Leclerc. His ability to adapt quickly to Ferrari and his performances relative to Leclerc were widely praised.{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |title=Sainz has shown why he deserves to be taken more seriously |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/sainz-has-shown-why-he-deserves-to-be-taken-more-seriously/ |website=the-race.com |date=31 May 2021 |publisher=THE RACE |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=19 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219224714/https://the-race.com/formula-1/sainz-has-shown-why-he-deserves-to-be-taken-more-seriously/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/24/2021-f1-driver-rankings-5-carlos-sainz-jnr/|title=2021 F1 driver rankings #5: Carlos Sainz Jnr|website=racefans.net|first=Keith|last=Collantine|date=24 January 2022|access-date=18 June 2022|archive-date=28 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528041631/https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/24/2021-f1-driver-rankings-5-carlos-sainz-jnr/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-top-50-7-carlos-sainz-jr/6885423/|title=Autosport 2021 Top 50: #7 Carlos Sainz Jr|website=autosport.com|first=Alex|last=Kalinauckas|date=16 December 2021|access-date=18 June 2022|archive-date=18 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618085135/https://www.autosport.com/general/news/autosport-top-50-7-carlos-sainz-jr/6885423/|url-status=live}}

Sainz continued at Ferrari alongside Leclerc for 2022. He qualified third for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Formula 1|date=19 March 2022|title='I knew it was a matter of time' says Leclerc after opening 2022 with pole position|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-knew-it-was-a-matter-of-time-says-leclerc-after-opening-2022-with-pole.3ftqXEHYXUB3aMwBkd8hk3.html|website=Formula1.com|language=en|access-date=20 March 2022|archive-date=21 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321175911/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-knew-it-was-a-matter-of-time-says-leclerc-after-opening-2022-with-pole.3ftqXEHYXUB3aMwBkd8hk3.html|url-status=live}} He ran in third place until Max Verstappen's retirement, allowing him into second place behind Leclerc to claim a Ferrari 1–2 finish and an early lead in the Constructors' Championship.{{Cite web|last=Richards|first=Giles|date=20 March 2022|title=Charles Leclerc wins dramatic Bahrain F1 GP as Ferrari bring home one-two|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/20/charles-leclerc-wins-dramatic-bahrain-f1-gp-as-ferrari-bring-home-one-two|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=20 March 2022|archive-date=20 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320224736/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/20/charles-leclerc-wins-dramatic-bahrain-f1-gp-as-ferrari-bring-home-one-two|url-status=live}} A mistake and then a red flag in qualifying at the {{F1 GP|2022|Australian}} meant he started in ninth place.{{cite web|last=Newbold|first=James|date=9 April 2022|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-angry-after-disaster-for-ferrari-in-australian-gp-qualifying/9743141/|title=Sainz angry after 'disaster' for Ferrari in Australian GP qualifying|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|access-date=9 April 2022|archive-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411143125/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-angry-after-disaster-for-ferrari-in-australian-gp-qualifying/9743141/|url-status=live}} He dropped places at the start and then spun into the gravel, ending his race on lap two. He crashed in qualifying for the {{F1 GP|2022|Emilia Romagna}} and then a collision with Daniel Ricciardo ended his race at the first corner. He finished fourth at the {{F1 GP|2022|Spanish}}, his best ever result at his home race, despite having earlier spun and dropped to eleventh.{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-carlos-sainz-says-p4-finish-2022-f1-spanish-gp-is-bad-given-circumstances-far-ideal?ref=f1page | title=Carlos Sainz says P4 finish at 2022 F1 Spanish GP 'is not too bad given the circumstances, but it's far from ideal' | date=24 May 2022 | access-date=24 May 2022 | archive-date=24 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524115223/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-carlos-sainz-says-p4-finish-2022-f1-spanish-gp-is-bad-given-circumstances-far-ideal?ref=f1page | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-carlos-sainz-aims-take-career-first-win-home-race-2022-f1-spanish-gp?ref=relatedmid | title="The one who has the most desire is me" – Carlos Sainz aims to take his career-first win in his home race at the 2022 F1 Spanish GP | date=14 May 2022 | access-date=24 May 2022 | archive-date=24 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524115221/https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-carlos-sainz-aims-take-career-first-win-home-race-2022-f1-spanish-gp?ref=relatedmid | url-status=live }} Sainz qualified and finished second at the {{F1 GP|2022|Monaco}}, but a hydraulics issue caused his third retirement of the year at the {{F1 GP|2022|Azerbaijan}}. He was runner-up at the {{F1 GP|2022|Canadian}}, less than a second behind Verstappen.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-survives-late-safety-car-to-beat-sainz-to-canadian-gp-victory.MSg7s89K4WtO2gD3UNaNh.html|title=Verstappen survives late Safety Car to beat Sainz to Canadian GP victory|date=19 June 2022|access-date=20 April 2023|work=Formula 1|archive-date=19 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619225904/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-survives-late-safety-car-to-beat-sainz-to-canadian-gp-victory.MSg7s89K4WtO2gD3UNaNh.html|url-status=live}}

File:Carlos Sainz waves to the Silverstone crowd after claiming his first victory in Formula One at the 2022 British Grand Prix (52195615157).jpg]]

For his 150th Formula One race start, the {{F1 GP|2022|British}}, Sainz took his first Formula One pole position in a wet qualifying session, beating Verstappen by 0.034 seconds. He was overtaken in the race by Verstappen, but regained the lead when Verstappen slowed with damage. He pitted for soft tyres in the closing laps and passed Leclerc to claim his maiden win in Formula One.{{cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-converts-pole-into-maiden-grand-prix-victory-at-silverstone-after.46XBmmWmBvK1Ahi6rtAzQh.html|title=Sainz converts pole into maiden Grand Prix victory at Silverstone after scintillating race|website=Formula1.com|date=3 July 2022|access-date=3 July 2022|archive-date=15 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715203224/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-converts-pole-into-maiden-grand-prix-victory-at-silverstone-after.46XBmmWmBvK1Ahi6rtAzQh.html|url-status=live}} Sainz was running third at the {{F1 GP|2022|Austrian}} when an engine failure ended his race. He started at the back of the grid at the {{F1 GP|2022|French}} after taking new engine components and finished fifth despite a time penalty for an unsafe pit release. He took his second pole position at the {{F1 GP|2022|Belgian}}, promoted to the front as Verstappen took an engine penalty, but dropped behind both Red Bulls to finish third.{{cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-cruises-to-belgian-grand-prix-victory-from-p15-as-perez-completes.2J5xxc79o1DGvziQOegt7i.html|title=Verstappen cruises to Belgian Grand Prix victory from P14 as Perez completes Red Bull 1-2|work=Formula 1|date=28 August 2022|access-date=20 April 2023|archive-date=29 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829080749/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-cruises-to-belgian-grand-prix-victory-from-p15-as-perez-completes.2J5xxc79o1DGvziQOegt7i.html|url-status=live}}

Sainz finished fifth at the {{F1 GP|2022|Dutch}} but was demoted to eighth by a penalty for an unsafe pit release. He started eighteenth at the {{F1 GP|2022|Italian}} with an engine component penalty but recovered to finish fourth. At the rain-affected {{F1 GP|2022|Japanese}}, he crashed out from third place on the opening lap. He claimed his third pole position at the {{F1 GP|2022|United States}}, but retired with damage after being hit by George Russell at the first corner.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-beats-hamilton-to-united-states-gp-victory-as-red-bull-secure-an.A7jmiEqb29YaZGQ6DDyAM.html|title=Verstappen beats Hamilton to United States GP victory as Red Bull secure an emotional constructors' title win|work=Formula 1|date=23 October 2022|access-date=20 April 2023|archive-date=24 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024003355/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-beats-hamilton-to-united-states-gp-victory-as-red-bull-secure-an.A7jmiEqb29YaZGQ6DDyAM.html|url-status=live}} After the final race, Sainz had matched his 2021 position with fifth in the Drivers' Championship and scored 246 points to Leclerc's 308.

Sainz signed a contract extension until the end of 2024.{{Cite web |date=21 April 2022 |title=Sainz to remain with Ferrari until 2024 following contract extension |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-to-remain-with-ferrari-until-2024-following-contract.5WQKCJkNKDXWEtZsAYkBh7.html |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Formula1.com |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422051149/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sainz-to-remain-with-ferrari-until-2024-following-contract.5WQKCJkNKDXWEtZsAYkBh7.html |url-status=live }}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2023 Nr. 55 (1).jpg]]

Sainz began the 2023 season by qualifying and finishing fourth at the {{F1 GP|2023|Bahrain}}. He finished fourth at the {{F1 GP|2023|Australian}} but was penalised and demoted to twelfth place for making contact with Fernando Alonso at the second restart. Sainz criticised the penalty as being "unfair" and Alonso agreed that it was too harsh;{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-blasts-most-unfair-penalty-ever-seeks-australian-gp-stewards-explanation/10452169/|title=Sainz blasts "most unfair penalty ever", seeks Australian GP stewards' explanation|website=Motorsport.com|last=Cobb|first=Haydn|date=2 April 2023|access-date=2 April 2023|archive-date=12 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412190415/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-blasts-most-unfair-penalty-ever-seeks-australian-gp-stewards-explanation/10452169/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Alonso says Sainz's Australian GP F1 penalty is "too harsh" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-says-sainzs-australian-gp-penalty-too-harsh/10452695/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=www.motorsport.com |date=3 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403194755/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/alonso-says-sainzs-australian-gp-penalty-too-harsh/10452695/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-F1&utm_term=News&utm_content=www |url-status=live }} Ferrari lodged a formal protest against the decision but were unsuccessful.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferraris-appeal-over-carlos-sainzs-australian-grand-prix-penalty-dismissed.5qqHDZRjWqY6TKw24HUK3T.html|title=Ferrari's appeal over Carlos Sainz's Australian Grand Prix penalty dismissed|date=18 April 2023|access-date=20 April 2023|work=Formula1.com|language=en|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420025850/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferraris-appeal-over-carlos-sainzs-australian-grand-prix-penalty-dismissed.5qqHDZRjWqY6TKw24HUK3T.html|url-status=live}} Sainz qualified third at the {{F1 GP|2023|Miami}} but finished fifth. He crashed in practice at the {{F1 GP|2023|Monaco}} and spun during the race, dropping him from fourth at the start to eighth at the finish.{{cite web|url=https://racingnews365.com/sainz-crashes-out-of-monaco-practice|title=Sainz crashes out of Monaco practice|website=racingnews365.com|first=Ewan|last=Gale|date=26 May 2023|accessdate=23 August 2023|archive-date=10 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610185705/https://racingnews365.com/sainz-crashes-out-of-monaco-practice|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-pace-was-there-says-frustrated-sainz-after-p8-finish-in-monaco.4a8h2jIE2Y4E6qsvq2jFmq.html|title='The pace was there' says 'frustrated' Sainz after P8 finish in Monaco|website=formula1.com|date=28 May 2023|accessdate=23 August 2023|archive-date=4 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604194345/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-pace-was-there-says-frustrated-sainz-after-p8-finish-in-monaco.4a8h2jIE2Y4E6qsvq2jFmq.html|url-status=live}} He qualified second at his home race, the {{F1 GP|2023|Spanish}}, behind Max Verstappen. He was unable to hold off the Mercedes cars or Verstappen's teammate Sergio Pérez and finished the race fifth, later commenting that tyre degradation was a weakness of his team's car.{{cite web|url=https://racingnews365.com/sainz-ferrari-weaknesses-came-alive-in-barcelona|title=Sainz: Ferrari weaknesses 'came alive' in Barcelona|website=racingnews366.com|first1=Luke|last1=Murphy|first2=Aaron|last2=Deckers|date=5 June 2023|accessdate=23 August 2023|archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606101658/https://racingnews365.com/sainz-ferrari-weaknesses-came-alive-in-barcelona|url-status=live}}

File:Carlos Sainz - 2023 Italian Grand Prix.jpg]]

Sainz crashed in practice at the {{F1 GP|2023|Canadian}} and was then penalised for impeding Pierre Gasly in qualifying, causing him to start the race eleventh.{{Cite web |date=17 June 2023 |title=2023 F1 Canadian Grand Prix − Free Practice 3 results |url=https://racingnews365.com/2023-f1-canadian-grand-prix-free-practice-3-results |access-date=17 June 2023 |archive-date=17 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617200419/https://racingnews365.com/2023-f1-canadian-grand-prix-free-practice-3-results |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=18 June 2023 |title=Sainz, Tsunoda and Stroll handed Canada F1 grid drops for impeding |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-handed-canada-f1-grid-drop-for-impeding-gasly/10484395/ |website=Autosport |access-date=18 June 2023 |archive-date=18 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618044107/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/sainz-handed-canada-f1-grid-drop-for-impeding-gasly/10484395/ |url-status=live }} He recovered to finish fifth. He started the {{F1 GP|2023|British}} fifth, however both Ferrari drivers made pit stops prior to a safety car period that other drivers took advantage of, dropping Sainz to tenth place at the finish line. At the {{F1 GP|2023|Hungarian}}, he crashed in practice and then qualified eleventh. He scored points by finishing the race eighth. He scored points again by finishing fourth in the {{F1 GP|2023|Belgian}} sprint, but retired from the main race due to damage from a first-lap collision with Oscar Piastri. He achieved his first pole position of the year at the {{F1 GP|2023|Italian}}, 0.013 seconds ahead of Verstappen.{{Cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-pips-verstappen-and-leclerc-to-pole-in-ultra-close-italian-gp.5t2xjtK9BZFd081eMcgfSy.html|title=Sainz pips Verstappen and Leclerc to pole in ultra-close Italian GP qualifying|date=2 September 2023|access-date=4 September 2023|work=Formula 1|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904102114/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-pips-verstappen-and-leclerc-to-pole-in-ultra-close-italian-gp.5t2xjtK9BZFd081eMcgfSy.html|url-status=live}} He was passed by both Red Bulls during the race but defended from teammate Leclerc to finish third, his first podium of the season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-italian-gp-results-verstappen-record-wins/10515633/|last=Bradley|first=Charles|work=Motorsport.com|date=3 September 2023|access-date=4 September 2023|title=2023 F1 Italian GP results: Max Verstappen wins, sets record|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904063451/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-italian-gp-results-verstappen-record-wins/10515633/|url-status=live}} He took pole position again at the next race, the {{F1 GP|2023|Singapore}},{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-singapore-gp-sainz-grabs-pole-from-russell-disaster-for-red-bull/10521120/|title=F1 Singapore GP: Sainz grabs pole from Russell; disaster for Red Bull|website=motorsport.com|first=Jake|last=Boxall-Legge|date=16 September 2023|accessdate=16 September 2023|archive-date=17 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917160748/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-singapore-gp-sainz-grabs-pole-from-russell-disaster-for-red-bull/10521120/|url-status=live}} and converted this into his second Formula One victory. This ended Red Bull's streak of fifteen consecutive wins and Max Verstappen's win streak of ten, and marked the only race of 2023 not won by Red Bull. Sainz led the entire race distance and he and former teammate Lando Norris held off Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in the closing laps.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-holds-off-norris-and-fast-charging-mercedes-pair-to-take-sensational.16sNsRUz2MAFyXxSE3RdwX.html|title=Sainz holds off Norris and fast-charging Mercedes pair to take sensational Singapore Grand Prix victory|website=formula1.com|date=17 September 2023|accessdate=17 September 2023|archive-date=17 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917160814/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-holds-off-norris-and-fast-charging-mercedes-pair-to-take-sensational.16sNsRUz2MAFyXxSE3RdwX.html|url-status=live}}

Sainz scored points in the {{F1 GP|2023|Qatar}} sprint, but qualified twelfth for the main race and then failed to start due to a fuel leak.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-wont-race-in-f1-qatar-gp-after-fuel-system-problem/10530545/|title=Sainz won't race in F1 Qatar GP after fuel system problem|website=Motorsport.com|date=8 October 2023|access-date=9 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008185058/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-wont-race-in-f1-qatar-gp-after-fuel-system-problem/10530545/|url-status=live}} He finished fourth at the {{F1 GP|2023|United States}} but was promoted to the podium after Hamilton's disqualification. He qualified second at the {{F1 GP|2023|Mexico City}} to make an all-Ferrari front row, but both cars were overtaken by Verstappen and Hamilton in the race. At the inaugural {{F1 GP|2023|Las Vegas}}, Sainz hit a loose manhole cover in practice, causing the first practice session to be cancelled and the second to be delayed so that officials could inspect the rest of the track. He went on to qualify second behind Leclerc, but the damage to his car had required Ferrari to replace components and resulted in a ten-place grid penalty, which Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur described as "unacceptable".{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12474/13010297/carlos-sainz-ferrari-driver-in-disbelief-over-10-place-grid-penalty-for-damage-from-las-vegas-gp-manhole-cover|title=Carlos Sainz: Ferrari driver in 'disbelief' over 10-place grid penalty for damage from Las Vegas GP manhole cover|website=skysports.com|first=Nigel|last=Chiu|date=18 November 2023|accessdate=18 November 2023|archive-date=17 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117225837/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12474/13010297/carlos-sainz-ferrari-driver-in-disbelief-over-10-place-grid-penalty-for-damage-from-las-vegas-gp-manhole-cover|url-status=live}} Sainz finished the race sixth. He crashed in practice at the season-ending {{F1 GP|2023|Abu Dhabi}} and placed sixteenth in qualifying, after which he accused other drivers of deliberately impeding him.{{cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1042034/1/sainz-accuses-rivals-impeding-him-purpose-after-shock-q1-exit|title=Carlos Sainz accuses rivals of impeding him on purpose after shock Q1 exit in Abu Dhabi|website=crash.net|first=Connor|last=McDonagh|date=25 November 2023|accessdate=25 November 2023|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125180108/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1042034/1/sainz-accuses-rivals-impeding-him-purpose-after-shock-q1-exit|url-status=live}} Ferrari left him out on track until the final lap in the hope of a safety car, but with no chance of scoring points, the team retired his car in the pits. Sainz described the result, which dropped him from fourth in the Drivers' Championship before the race to seventh, as "very disappointing".{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-rues-very-disappointing-end-to-season-after-finishing-outside-of.63YCSu3Z2NGffNEYSR9hg8.html|title=Sainz rues 'very disappointing' end to season after finishing outside of points in Abu Dhabi GP|website=formula1.com|date=27 November 2023|accessdate=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130041558/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-rues-very-disappointing-end-to-season-after-finishing-outside-of.63YCSu3Z2NGffNEYSR9hg8.html|url-status=live}} He ended his third season with Ferrari on 200 points to Leclerc's 206.

File:Carlos_Sainz_Chinese_GP_2024.jpg]]

At the {{F1 GP|2024|Bahrain}}, Sainz began the 2024 season by qualifying fourth and finishing on the podium in third, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. During the {{F1 GP|2024|Saudi Arabian}} weekend, Sainz fell ill with appendicitis and was unable to participate. While he took part in FP1 and FP2, he missed the rest of the weekend to undergo surgery; he was replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman.{{cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/bearman-replaces-sainz-for-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/10584719/ |title=Bearman replaces Sainz at Ferrari for Saudi Arabian GP after appendicitis diagnosis |work=Autosport |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=8 March 2024 |access-date=8 March 2024 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308130812/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/bearman-replaces-sainz-for-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/10584719/ |url-status=live }} Having recovered from his surgery, Sainz returned at the {{F1 GP|2024|Australian}}, qualifying second. He capitalised on Max Verstappen's retirement to win the race ahead of Leclerc, marking Sainz's third Formula One race victory and the first Ferrari one-two finish since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-storms-to-victory-amid-drama-in-australia-as-verstappen-retires-and.4ZVm82EhKLMcVIHurBPr8N|title=Sainz storms to victory amid drama in Australia as Verstappen retires and Russell crashes out|date=24 March 2024|work=Formula One Management|language=en|access-date=24 March 2024|archive-date=24 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324063853/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/sainz-storms-to-victory-amid-drama-in-australia-as-verstappen-retires-and.4ZVm82EhKLMcVIHurBPr8N|url-status=live}} He took another podium finish at the {{F1 GP|2024|Japanese}}, passing Leclerc to finish third.{{cite web |title=Verstappen leads home Perez for Red Bull one-two at Japanese GP after early drama |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-leads-home-perez-for-red-bull-one-two-at-japanese-gp-after-early.1rtPVvnBYJgZIEppNtk6ZD |publisher=Formula One |access-date=7 April 2024 |language=en |date=7 April 2024 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407092737/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-leads-home-perez-for-red-bull-one-two-at-japanese-gp-after-early.1rtPVvnBYJgZIEppNtk6ZD |url-status=live }}

After 3 races without a podium Sainz finished third at the Monaco Grand Prix taking his 4th podium of the season. He would follow this result up by retiring from the Canadian Grand Prix after he spun into Alex Albon. Sainz then finished a frustrating 6th at his home grand prix but bounced back by finishing third at the Austrian Grand Prix even though he benefitted from Max Verstappen's and Lando Norris's collision to get the final podium place.

Sainz's next 3 races consisted of 5th place at the British Grand Prix, 6th place at the Hungarian Grand Prix and 6th at the Belgian Grand Prix meaning at the summer break Sainz sat 5th in the championship with 162 points.

Sainz scored a second-place at the {{F1GP|2024|United States}} and won the {{F1GP|2024|Mexico City}} from pole position, before crashing out of the rain-affected {{F1GP|2024|São Paulo}}. He recorded a third-place at the {{F1GP|2024|Las Vegas}} and sixth in Qatar. At the season-ending {{F1GP|2024|Abu Dhabi}}, he finished on the podium to clinch fifth-place in the championship on a career-best 290 points.

Sainz left Ferrari after the 2024 season and was replaced by Lewis Hamilton for {{F1|2025}}.{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2024-02-01 |title=Sainz confirms he will leave Ferrari after 2024 season |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/02/01/sainz-confirms-he-will-leave-ferrari-after-2024-season/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203170051/https://www.racefans.net/2024/02/01/sainz-confirms-he-will-leave-ferrari-after-2024-season/ |url-status=live }} After his departure, Ferrari rewarded him with his race-winning F1-75 chassis from 2022.{{cite news |title=Ferrari, regalo d'addio a Sainz: avrà la F1-75 della sua prima vittoria |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/motori/ferrari/18-12-2024/ferrari-regala-a-sainz-la-f1-della-prima-vittoria-2022.shtml |access-date=29 December 2024 |agency=gazzetta.it |publisher=gazzetta.it |date=18 December 2024}}

File:2025 Japan GP - Williams - Carlos Sainz - FP1.jpg for {{F1|2025}}, Sainz (pictured at the {{F1GP|2025|Japanese}}) signed for Williams.|alt=Sainz driving the Williams FW47 at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix]]

Replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Sainz joined Williams from {{F1|2025}} onwards on a two-year deal, partnered by Alexander Albon.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/29/carlos-sainz-signs-two-year-formula-one-deal-to-drive-for-williams-from-2025-motor-sport |title=Carlos Sainz signs two-year F1 deal to drive for Williams from 2025 |date=29 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |access-date=17 March 2025 |issn=1756-3224 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220110135/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/29/carlos-sainz-signs-two-year-formula-one-deal-to-drive-for-williams-from-2025-motor-sport |archive-date=20 December 2024 |url-status=live}} He crashed on the first lap of the rain-affected {{F1GP|2025|Australian}} under safety car conditions.{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/carlos-sainz-crash-williams-f1-australian-gp-b2715943.html |title=Carlos Sainz inexplicably crashes out on Williams F1 debut in chaotic start to Australian GP |last=Jackson |first=Kieran |date=16 March 2025 |work=The Independent |access-date=17 March 2025 |issn=1741-9743 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317033655/https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/carlos-sainz-crash-williams-f1-australian-gp-b2715943.html |archive-date=17 March 2025 |url-status=live}} In China, Sainz finished seventeenth in the sprint and tenth in the main race after disqualifications for Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Pierre Gasly.{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/leclerc-hamilton-and-gasly-disqualified-from-chinese-gp/10706422/ |title=Leclerc, Hamilton and Gasly disqualified from Chinese GP |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=23 March 2025 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=23 March 2025 |issn=0269-946X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323122436/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/leclerc-hamilton-and-gasly-disqualified-from-chinese-gp/10706422/ |archive-date=23 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He finished outside of the points at the {{F1GP|2025|Japanese}}, having accrued a grid penalty for impeding Hamilton in qualifying and a {{currency|20,000|EUR}} fine for missing the national anthem due to illness.{{Cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/carlos-sainz-fined-for-national-anthem-delay-despite-illness-ahead-of-japanese-gp/10710494/ |title=Sainz fined for Japanese GP national anthem delay despite stomach issue |last=Harrington |first=Alex |date=6 April 2025 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=6 April 2025 |issn=0269-946X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406175911/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/carlos-sainz-fined-for-national-anthem-delay-despite-illness-ahead-of-japanese-gp/10710494/ |archive-date=6 April 2025 |url-status=live}} Sainz started eighth in Bahrain, engaging in close battles with Yuki Tsunoda and Andrea Kimi Antonelli; he sustained race-ending sidepod damage with the former and received a penalty for forcing the latter off-track.{{Cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/carlos-sainz-reacts-to-frustrating-bahrain-gp-retirement-after-best-start-of-the-season/10713071/ |title=Carlos Sainz reacts to "frustrating" Bahrain GP retirement after best start of the season |last=Mee |first=Lydia |date=13 April 2025 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=15 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250415161840/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/carlos-sainz-reacts-to-frustrating-bahrain-gp-retirement-after-best-start-of-the-season/10713071/ |archive-date=15 April 2025 |url-status=live}} He returned with a season-best performance at the {{F1GP|2025|Saudi Arabian}}, qualifying sixth and finishing eighth.{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/albon-and-sainz-praise-teamwork-as-saudi-arabia-double-points-finish-puts.6ocVwwpbmYt01zJoWPAlwx |title=Albon and Sainz praise teamwork as Saudi Arabia double points finish puts Williams fifth in standings |date=21 April 2025 |website=Formula 1 |publisher=Formula One Group |access-date=21 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421215406/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/albon-and-sainz-praise-teamwork-as-saudi-arabia-double-points-finish-puts.6ocVwwpbmYt01zJoWPAlwx |archive-date=21 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

In February 2025, Sainz was appointed as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), the Formula One drivers' trade union. He replaced Sebastian Vettel, who retired from Formula One at the end of 2022.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-23 |title=F1 driver union: Carlos Sainz replaces Sebastian Vettel as director |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/carlos-sainz-f1-gpda-driver-union-director-sebastian-vettel/ |access-date=2025-02-23 |website=The Race |language=en}} As a director, Sainz's primary role is to relay the paddock's concerns about safety, racing quality, and the junior driver pipeline to the GPDA's full-time personnel.

Sainz owns a hamburger restaurant in Madrid named Boogie Burger which he started in June 2023 with a group of friends.{{cite web |date=9 October 2024 |title=Ni de coches, ni de motos, este es el desconocido negocio que tiene Carlos Sainz en Madrid |url=https://www.autobild.es/noticias/desconocido-negocio-tiene-carlos-sainz-madrid-1410250 |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=Autobild ES}}

Sainz dated fellow Spaniard Isabel Hernáez from 2017 until 2023.{{Cite web |last=P |first=Anjana |date=17 July 2022 |title=Carlos Sainz Girlfriend - Isabel Hernaez's Age, Height, Bio, Kids, Instagram, Love Story and Net Worth |url=https://thesportslite.com/formula-racing/who-is-carlos-sainz-girlfriend-know-all-about-isabel-hernaez/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108152202/https://thesportslite.com/formula-racing/who-is-carlos-sainz-girlfriend-know-all-about-isabel-hernaez/ |archive-date=8 November 2022 |access-date=8 November 2022 |website=The SportsLite |language=en-US}}{{cite web |date=17 June 2023 |title=Carlos Sainz & Ex Girlfriend Isa Hernaez Issue Contrasting Statements to Stir the Pot After Unexpected Breakup |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-carlos-sainz-ex-girlfriend-isa-hernaez-issue-contrasting-statements-to-stir-the-pot-after-unexpected-breakup/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617112352/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-carlos-sainz-ex-girlfriend-isa-hernaez-issue-contrasting-statements-to-stir-the-pot-after-unexpected-breakup/ |archive-date=17 June 2023 |access-date=17 June 2023 |website=Essentially Sports}} As of 2024 he is dating Scottish model Rebecca Donaldson.{{cite web |title=Who is Carlos Sainz's Girlfriend? All About Rebecca Donaldson |url=https://people.com/who-is-rebecca-donaldson-carlos-sainz-8597924 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330051915/https://people.com/who-is-rebecca-donaldson-carlos-sainz-8597924 |archive-date=30 March 2024 |access-date=29 March 2024}}

He has lived in both Madrid and in London.{{Cite web |date=30 July 2020 |title='It feels like a home Grand Prix' says Sainz before final British GP with McLaren |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/it-feels-like-a-home-grand-prix-says-sainz-before-final-british-gp-with.3Wr8PBdIWyzdZCzR4fz0CX |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630163545/https://amp.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-feels-like-a-home-grand-prix-says-sainz-before-final-british-gp-with.3Wr8PBdIWyzdZCzR4fz0CX.html |archive-date=30 June 2022 |access-date=9 July 2023 |work=F1}} He also maintains a residence in Monaco.{{cite web | url=https://www.tiktok.com/@f1/video/7413798397158640929 | title=TikTok - Make Your Day }} Sainz was robbed of his watch in Milan in 2023 but he ran and captured his assailant.{{cite news |date=3 September 2023 |title=Milano, in 2 confessano la rapina dell'orologio a Sainz: "Non è stata pianificata". Il pilota: "Spiacevole incidente" |url=https://www.lastampa.it/cronaca/2023/09/03/news/carlos_sainz_rapina_orologio_ladri-13025283/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903205252/https://www.lastampa.it/cronaca/2023/09/03/news/carlos_sainz_rapina_orologio_ladri-13025283/ |archive-date=3 September 2023 |access-date=4 September 2023 |work=La Stampa |language=it}}{{cite news |date=4 September 2023 |title=Carlos Sainz detiene a unos ladrones que le robaron un reloj valorado en más de 300.000 euros |url=https://www.eldebate.com/deportes/formula-1/20230904/carlos-sainz-detiene-ladrones-le-robaron-reloj-valorado-mas-300-000-euros_137444.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905012050/https://www.eldebate.com/deportes/formula-1/20230904/carlos-sainz-detiene-ladrones-le-robaron-reloj-valorado-mas-300-000-euros_137444.html |archive-date=5 September 2023 |access-date=4 September 2023 |work=El Debate |language=es-ES}}

His personal car collection includes several Ferraris: the F8 Tributo,{{cite news |date=18 October 2021 |title=Carlos Sainz personalizza la sua Ferrari F8 Tributo |url=https://www.auto.it/foto/news/2021/10/19-4823448/carlos_sainz_personalizza_la_sua_ferrari_f8_tributo |access-date=29 December 2024 |publisher=auto.it |agency=auto.it}} 812 Competizione,{{cite news |date=23 December 2022 |title=F1, regalo di Natale per Sainz: una Ferrari 812 Competizione sotto l'albero |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Formula-1/23-12-2022/f1-regalo-di-natale-per-sainz-una-ferrari-812-competizione-sotto-l-albero.shtml |access-date=29 December 2024 |publisher=gazzetta.it |agency=gazzetta.it}}{{cite news |date=18 December 2024 |title=Ciao Carlos |url=https://www.ferrari.com/it-IT/magazine/articles/ciao-carlos-sainz |access-date=29 December 2024 |publisher=ferrari.com |agency=ferrari.com}} and Daytona SP3.{{cite news |date=19 December 2024 |title=Carlos Sainz si regala una Ferrari Daytona SP3 |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/motori/la-mia-auto/19-12-2024/ferrari-daytona-sp3-carlos-sainz-prezzo-quanto-costa-collezione-auto.shtml |access-date=29 December 2024 |publisher=gazzetta.it |agency=gazzetta.it}}

^† As Sainz was a guest driver, he was ineligible for points.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

^† Driver did not finish the race but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

{{sup|†}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicates fastest lap)

{{smallsup|†}} Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

{{smallsup|‡}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

{{asterisk}} Season still in progress.

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