P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz melts hearts as he finally meets his F1 superfan
Williams F1 driver Carlos Sainz made a young superfan’s dream a reality before the 2026 season, following his two podium finishes in the previous year’s races in Qatar and Azerbaijan. Sainz’s third-place finish in Baku was Williams’ first podium since 2017, assisted by a unicorn-inspired victory.
During a Carbono series call with fans, young UK supporter Thea asked Sainz whether her toy unicorn should be named Sparkles or Sprinkles, suggesting that the driver wear a unicorn sticker on his helmet. In response, Sainz promised to wear the unicorn sticker if she sent it in.
True to his word, Sainz featured the unicorn sticker on his helmet in the following race, leading to a front-row qualifying position in Baku and eventually securing third place for Williams, solidifying Sparkles as the team’s mascot. The heartwarming journey culminated in Thea meeting Sainz at the Williams factory, where she toured the facilities, held Sainz’s Baku trophy adorned with the Sparkles sticker, and shared a special day with her racing hero.
