Heroes
Great start: Formula BMW, established in 2002, has become the classic entry-level racing series, providing plenty of exciting wheel-to-wheel action
– of course – from the Carlos Sainz sitting alongside, all heavy-eyebrowed, brooding Latin intensity. The younger man is not overwhelmed, however. The Sainz at his side is still ‘just his dad’, after all, and however notable the older man’s achievements, and fame, these two relate to each other with an obviously genuine, and touching, mutual affection. Telling is Carlos Jnr’s admission that he sometimes got nervous for his dad when he was away at rallies: “I always looked out for him,” he says. “I was always looking for him in the results and I’m sure when I’m driving it’s the other way round. It’s natural.” For such a youngster, Sainz Jnr is remarkably mannered – not ostentatiously so, there’s no pomp – but he has very obviously been well brought up and a strong parental guiding hand is much in evidence. Sainz Snr, though, is acutely aware that the spotlight in which his son inevitably races, on account of his famous name, also brings shadow – or, more accurately, the risk of being overshadowed. He’s determined, therefore, to allow young Carlos his own place in the sun: “Everything that he has to do in his career,” says dad, “his mistakes, his learning, must be in his own way.” That’s not to say instinctive, protective parental concern has been placed to one side: “I can see that Carlitos is very professional and serious about what he is doing, but… he is only 15, so it is important that there is someone to take care of him.” The big picture – “the principal things”, as Sainz Snr describes attributes such as attitude and approach – will inevitably be passed from rallying dad to racing son. It has happened already for 15 years, by osmosis, even when not by design. “But 44
“My old man is still really fast” Carlos Sainz Jnr
the technical things,” he continues, “his work with engineers, for example, data sheets and what he does on the race track… Here, he is on his own.” (Amusing then, that later in the day, Sainz Snr can be seen poring over junior’s track data even more intently than did Carlitos himself. Who would want to be the engineer whose technical slip spoiled the chances of the son-of-a-double-world-champion?) Allowing the fledgling to fly is one of the hardest moments for any parent, but it’s obvious that junior has inherited some of his father’s matador spirit. He qualified ninth for his first of two races in Barcelona, the opening round of the FBMW Europe series, complaining, like all true racing drivers should, of “being disappointed” and “not getting the most out of the car”. Come Saturday, though, he shot from the starting grid to gain four places and run fourth in the early laps, then tiger through to third for a podium finish on his debut, with ‘top rookie’ honours. Racing, don’t doubt it, runs deep in his DNA: “Since I was three I just loved motorsport,” says Carlitos, grinning, sheepish. “In my house we always had that ambience, motor racing, but I loved it myself, too. Always I was watching Formula One, always asking my father like “How was the rally?” because I was too young and had to be at school…” Carlitos has touched upon something here and a commanding voice interjects, carrying an echo of an insistence on education: “Carlitos did not come to rallies very often. Only to the Rally Catalunya on some years. I always wanted him to have a good education and he still has his commitment with the school. It’s hard to do this with his racing commitments, but it is very important that he