Carlos Sainz Opens CS55 Racing Karting Academy for 2026

Carlos Sainz has confirmed that the CS55 Racing Karting Academy will return for a third year in 2026, with registrations now officially open for the latest intake of young drivers. The programme continues in partnership with the Real Federación Española de Automovilismo and remains focused on introducing children to motorsport at grassroots level.

Founded by Sainz in 2024, the CS55 Racing Karting Academy was conceived as the first structured step on the Spanish karting ladder for drivers aged between six and eight. The initiative is designed to provide an accessible and controlled entry point into competitive karting, with a strong emphasis on education, safety, and cost management during the earliest stages of driver development.

Announcing the academy’s return via social media, Sainz highlighted the personal importance of karting in shaping his own career and explained the motivation behind launching the project alongside the Spanish motorsport federation.

“I’ve already told you all how important karting was for me in the early days of my career,” Sainz said.
“I remember that time with great affection, and because of that, in 2024, together with the Spanish Federation, we launched the CS55 Racing Karting Academy.”

Sainz underlined that the academy is built around a single, clearly defined category, aimed at helping young drivers take their first steps in motorsport within a structured environment.

“It’s a specific category for children between six and eight years old, for all the kids who want to start driving and take their first steps in motorsport,” he added.

The 2026 edition represents a milestone for the project, marking its third consecutive year. Sainz stressed that affordability remains the central pillar of the academy, ensuring that financial barriers are minimised for families entering the sport.

“In 2026, we will already have the third edition of this project,” Sainz explained.
“For me, the key element is reducing costs to the maximum. Registrations are already open through the Federation, so now it’s just about meeting on track.”

The announcement comes ahead of Sainz’s second Formula 1 season with Williams, where he will once again partner Alex Albon. Sainz joined the Grove-based team prior to the 2025 campaign after being replaced at Ferrari by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

During the 2025 season, Sainz secured two podium finishes for Williams under the leadership of team principal James Vowles, achieving top-three results at the Azerbaijan and Qatar Grands Prix. He concluded the season ninth in the drivers’ standings with 64 points, finishing nine points behind Albon in eighth.

Williams is scheduled to unveil its Formula 1 2026 livery on 3 February, following private testing from 26 to 30 January. The 2026 Formula 1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix on 6–8 March, as Sainz balances his on-track ambitions with his continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing talent, a development that will continue to be covered by Sportrik Media at https://sportrik.com/en.