Carlos Sainz Honors the Women Who’ve ‘Taken Great Care’ of Him During His Rise in Formula 1

Formula 1 star Carlos Sainz is opening up about the women who have played a major role in his life and career. Ahead of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the Williams Racing driver reflected on the influence of his mother and sisters while discussing respect, support, and family.

Carlos Sainz is taking a moment to recognize the women who helped guide him throughout his life and career.

The Formula 1 driver spoke with PEOPLE ahead of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival while attending events connected to his role as a L'Oréal Paris ambassador. During the conversation, Sainz reflected on the close bond he shares with his mother and sisters and the impact they continue to have on him.

The Williams Racing star said gratitude remains one of the biggest driving forces in his personal life.

Carlos Sainz Speaks About His Family

Sainz, 31, shared heartfelt comments about his mother, Reyes Vázquez de Castro, and his sisters, Ana and Blanca.

“I have two sisters and a mom that have always taken great care of me,” he told PEOPLE exclusively ahead of the Lights on Women’s Worth dinner hosted by L'Oréal Paris during the Cannes Film Festival. “I admire them greatly,” he continued.

The annual event recognizes emerging female directors in the short film and student film categories and highlights women working in the entertainment industry.

While discussing his family, Sainz also spoke about becoming an uncle and the joy he experiences spending time with his nephews.

“Especially now that they’ve given me three beautiful nephews that I have to now take care of — and when I go back to Madrid, I enjoy my time with them,” he said.

The Formula 1 Star Reflects on Supporting Women

Beyond family relationships, Sainz also addressed the importance of supporting women in both personal and professional spaces.

He explained that respect and equal opportunity are values he believes strongly in. “Respecting them, but also giving them the opportunity to shine and be successful in whatever discipline or thing they want to do in their lives,” he shared.

Sainz also acknowledged the reach he has through social media and how he hopes to use that visibility positively.

“I’m lucky to have also a big platform on Instagram — and every time I can, I try to promote the women and help them to be successful,” he added.

Sainz Continues a New Chapter With Williams Racing

The comments come during an important chapter in Sainz’s Formula 1 career.

After spending several seasons competing near the front of the grid, the Spanish driver joined Williams Racing as the team continues rebuilding toward future competitiveness.

Sainz has long been regarded as one of Formula 1’s most respected drivers, known for his consistency, technical feedback, and calm demeanor under pressure.

The son of two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz Sr., the Madrid-born racer grew up surrounded by motorsport and quickly established himself as one of Spain’s top talents.

Over the years, he has driven for several major Formula 1 teams and earned victories while competing against some of the biggest names in the sport.

Cannes Event Highlights Women in Film

Sainz’s appearance at Cannes was tied to L'Oréal Paris’ Lights on Women’s Worth initiative, which celebrates emerging female filmmakers.

As a global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, Sainz has increasingly participated in campaigns and events tied to empowerment and representation.

Formula 1 Drivers Continue Expanding Their Influence

Like several modern Formula 1 stars, Sainz’s public image now stretches far beyond the racetrack.

Drivers have increasingly become involved in fashion, luxury branding, film festivals, and global campaigns as Formula 1’s popularity continues growing worldwide.

Sainz, in particular, has built a reputation for maintaining a polished but approachable image while staying closely connected to his family roots in Spain.

Additionally, his high profile relationship with Scottish model Rebecca Donaldson has been raved about by F1 fans for years. She joins the elite club of Formula 1 "WAGs," or "wives and girlfriends," a list that inludes Alexandra Saint Mleux-Leclerc, Kelly Piquet, and Kim Kardashian.