In a move that is sure to thrill motorsport fans worldwide, Netflix has officially announced a full-length documentary chronicling the legendary career of Carlos Sainz, one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of rally racing and motorsport. Titled “Sainz: El Matador”, the film is set for global release in Spring 2026, and will dive deep into the life, career, and legacy of a man who defied limits and rewrote the rulebook in multiple disciplines of motorsport.
With access to never-before-seen footage, intimate family interviews, and raw behind-the-scenes moments, the documentary promises to offer a definitive look at how Carlos Sainz Sr. evolved from a young talent in Madrid into a two-time World Rally Champion, three-time Dakar Rally winner, and a universally respected icon in motorsport.
This is not just a film for rally fans—it’s a story about grit, reinvention, fatherhood, and the relentless pursuit of greatness over decades.
The Making of a Motorsports Titan
Carlos Sainz’s name is synonymous with rally greatness. Often dubbed “El Matador”, he carved out a legacy in the 1990s as one of the most technically gifted, fearless, and mentally tough drivers ever to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC). With WRC titles in 1990 and 1992, and runner-up finishes in multiple other seasons, Sainz built a reputation as a relentless competitor whose obsession with perfection set him apart.
But unlike many champions whose careers fade with age, Sainz’s drive only intensified. Long after retiring from full-time WRC competition, he made the bold decision to reinvent himself by tackling one of the most grueling races on earth: the Dakar Rally. Not only did he compete—he won it three times (2010, 2018, and 2020), driving for different manufacturers and proving his ability to adapt to radically different machinery and terrains.
He is, to this day, the oldest winner in Dakar history, a record he set at age 57—redefining what it means to be a racing champion.
What We Know About the Netflix Documentary
According to Netflix’s press release, “Sainz: El Matador” will be “a celebration of determination, legacy, and the warrior spirit of a man who has become a motorsport myth in his own time.”
The documentary will cover:
- Sainz’s early life in Spain, including his brief flirtation with professional squash before turning to motorsport
- His rise through rallying in the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in multiple world titles and a fierce rivalry with drivers like Colin McRae and Tommi Mäkinen
- Behind-the-scenes stories from his time at Toyota, Ford, Subaru, Citroën, and Volkswagen, where his technical input helped shape cars that defined rallying eras
- His transition to Dakar Rally competition, including the physical and mental toll of the world’s toughest rally raid
- Personal stories from the Sainz family, including his role as a father and mentor to his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., a current Formula 1 star with Ferrari
- Never-before-seen footage from the WRC archives, personal home videos, and exclusive Dakar in-car footage captured with helmet cams and drone shots
- Interviews with motorsport legends, including Sébastien Loeb, Ari Vatanen, Nasser Al-Attiyah, and even Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso—who’ve both expressed admiration for Sainz’s longevity and competitive spirit
The documentary is expected to run as a multi-episode docuseries—possibly four to six parts—giving it enough space to dive deep into the multiple “eras” of Sainz’s racing career.
The Team Behind the Camera
Netflix has partnered once again with Box to Box Films, the producers behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Break Point, and Full Swing. Directing the series is Asif Kapadia, the Oscar-winning filmmaker of Senna and Amy, whose storytelling style is known for blending emotion with cinematic intensity.
Kapadia spoke on the project in a brief statement:
“Carlos Sainz is a modern gladiator. He has lived three different lives within motorsport and excelled in all of them. This isn’t just a story about racing—it’s about resilience, legacy, and a man who never accepted the word ‘retire.’”
Filming began quietly in early 2024 and has followed Sainz through his most recent Dakar outings, as well as moments at home with family and behind closed doors in team strategy meetings.
A Legacy Passed On
No documentary about Carlos Sainz would be complete without exploring his relationship with his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., who has emerged as a top-tier driver in Formula 1 and is currently racing for Scuderia Ferrari.
The father-son dynamic will be one of the emotional pillars of the series. Unlike many in motorsport dynasties, the younger Sainz has had to rise in an era where comparisons to his father were unavoidable—and yet, he’s carved out a name for himself in his own right.
Expect heartfelt interviews, family archival footage, and rare glimpses of the private bond between two elite racers—both chasing greatness on very different circuits.
In a recent interview, Carlos Jr. said:
“My dad’s career was never about luck. It was about preparation, sacrifice, and brutal honesty. Watching him as a kid taught me what it takes to win—not just races, but respect.”
A Documentary for All Fans of Motorsport
While rallying has often been overlooked in mainstream motorsport media in favor of Formula 1 or MotoGP, Netflix’s decision to shine a light on Carlos Sainz is a landmark moment for the global recognition of rally racing.
This film will serve not just as a tribute to Sainz, but as a history lesson and love letter to the sport of rallying itself—from the Group A beasts of the early ’90s to the complex, hybrid-powered Dakar machines of today.
Even casual viewers who discovered motorsport through Netflix’s Drive to Survive are likely to find themselves drawn to Sainz’s story because it’s rooted in human perseverance, generational pride, and unwavering passion.
Global Premiere & Release Date
“Sainz: El Matador” is scheduled to launch globally on Netflix in April 2026, with a possible world premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain—where Sainz is considered a national hero.
The docuseries will be available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, with subtitles and dubbed versions to make it accessible to Netflix’s worldwide audience.
A teaser trailer is expected by late 2025, with promotional clips and exclusive interviews likely to air during major sporting events, including the 2026 Dakar Rally and Formula 1 season coverage.
️ Early Reactions and Fan Buzz
The announcement has already sent ripples through the motorsport community.
Rally fans are calling it a long-overdue tribute.
F1 fans are excited to see the roots of the Sainz legacy.
Casual viewers are simply intrigued by the story of a man who refused to fade.
On social media, the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. One X user posted:
“Carlos Sainz is finally getting the Netflix doc he deserves. Pioneer, warrior, legend. About time. #SainzNetflix”
Another added:
“Drive to Survive got me into F1. This new Sainz doc might get me into rally.”
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of a Relentless Champion
Carlos Sainz is not just one of the greatest rally drivers in history—he is a symbol of what it means to evolve, endure, and inspire. His story is a blueprint for anyone chasing greatness in any field.
With “Sainz: El Matador”, Netflix has the opportunity to spotlight a story that transcends sport—a story about courage, legacy, and never backing down from the next mountain, desert, or challenge.
This is more than just a documentary. It’s the definitive portrait of a motorsport titan.
Will you be tuning in to watch Carlos Sainz’s story unfold? What’s your favorite Sainz moment—WRC or Dakar? Let us know in the comments or tag us using #SainzNetflix!
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