Think of Hackett London, and envision refined British menswear that exudes timeless, gentlemanly elegance. Now, Spanish motorsport legends and smooth operators, Carlos Sainz Sr. and his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., are adding a touch of Spanish spice to the brand’s latest collection as the faces of its SS25 campaign.
Established in 1983 by Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jennings, Hackett London began as a stall on Portobello Road, selling second-hand clothes, and has evolved into a globally renowned label, celebrated for its traditional styles, contemporary cuts, and timeless charm; and it’s these qualities that resonate with the Sainz men, reflecting their own blend of heritage and innovation in motorsport.
Of course, much like Jeremy’s suiting, Carlos Sainz Sr. is no stranger to performance and precision, as a distinguished two-time World Rally Champion, and a multiple Dakar Rally winner, he’s solidified his legendary status in motorsport, and it was only natural then, that his son followed in his footsteps. Carlos Sainz Jr., who not only shares his father’s love for racing but also his classic style, began his Formula 1 career with teams such as Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari—where he secured his first Grand Prix victory at the British Grand Prix—and is currently competing for Williams Racing.
At that juncture, it made perfect sense that Carlos Sainz Sr. and Jr. teamed up with Hackett London for the SS25 campaign, being long-time wearers of the brand, for the duo the label represents the balance of tradition and modernity, along with a dedication to quality and detail—qualities they liken to motorsport, noting that Hackett creates clothing that is “not only elegant but also functional and adaptable, much like a well-engineered race car.”
The Sainz duo, endearingly known as “El Matador” and “Chilli,” discuss their latest Hackett campaign, illustrious motorsport careers, and steadfast pursuit of excellence.
FC: What drew you both to collaborate with Hackett for this campaign, and what does the brand represent to you?
Carlos Jr.: For me, Hackett London represents style that is effortless, refined, and modern while maintaining a classic foundation. It’s a brand I already wore before this collaboration, so it felt natural. I’ve always looked for brands that reflect my personality without trying too hard, and Hackett London does exactly that. It offers the perfect balance between elegance and versatility, which is essential with my lifestyle—going from the track to events and travels seamlessly.
Carlos Sn.: Collaborating with Hackett London made perfect sense because it’s a brand that aligns with my personal style—classic, elegant, and timeless. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail, values that I appreciate both in clothing and in motorsport. Hackett London evolves with time while staying true to its essence, which is something I relate to.
FC: Tailoring and motorsport, how do you see the connection between the two?
Carlos Jr.: There’s definitely a strong connection between the two. In motorsport, everything is about performance, precision, and the right fit—whether it’s the car, the setup, or even the gear we wear on track. The same applies to tailoring. A well-cut suit or blazer makes you feel confident and ready, just like a well-prepared car gives you the edge in a race. That’s why I like Hackett London; it brings that level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to everyday wear, making elegance feel natural and effortless.
Carlos Sr.: Tailoring and motorsport share more similarities than one might think. Both require precision, attention to detail, and a pursuit of excellence. Just like in racing, where every component must be perfectly tuned, in tailoring, the fit and craftsmanship make all the difference. Hackett London understands this balance—creating clothing that is not only elegant but also functional and adaptable, much like a well-engineered race car.
FC: How was the experience of working together on this campaign?
Carlos Jr.: It was special to do something like this with my father because we don’t usually work together outside of racing. The whole shoot felt natural—Hackett London’s style suits both of us, despite our different ages, and that’s what made this campaign so genuine. We had fun, and it was interesting to see how, despite our differences, we both appreciate timeless, well-made clothing. Plus, it was a nice change from wearing racing suits all the time!
Carlos Sr.: It was a great experience, something we don’t do often outside of motorsport. The most natural part was that we weren’t just wearing outfits for a campaign—Hackett London is a brand we already have in our wardrobes, so everything felt authentic. There were plenty of light-hearted moments, discussions about which look suited each of us best, and, of course, and some classic father-son comments along the way. But overall, it was enjoyable and felt effortless.
FC: How would you describe each other’s style, both on and off the track?
Carlos Jr.: My father’s style is timeless. He has always been a classic dresser, valuing quality over trends, and that’s something I’ve learned from him. He knows what works for him and sticks to it, which is a lesson in itself. On the track, he’s the same—disciplined, experienced, and always in control. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks, whether in racing or in fashion. Over the years, I’ve seen him make small updates to his wardrobe—maybe my influence—but at his core, he’s always been about elegance and simplicity, which is exactly what Hackett London represents.
Carlos Sr.: Carlos has a very refined yet modern style. He keeps it classic but with a youthful touch—always well put together without overcomplicating things. He has a good eye for what suits him, and over the years, I’ve seen him develop a strong personal style that balances elegance and practicality. On the track, he’s precise and methodical, always looking for the best performance, which in a way reflects how he approaches his style—focused, calculated, and always evolving.
FC: Your father is a motorsport legend, what’s the biggest lesson he’s taught you that you carry into F1?
Carlos Jr.: The biggest lesson my father has taught me is that hard work and consistency always pay off. He’s always said that there are no shortcuts in motorsport—if you want results, you have to earn them with dedication and patience. That’s something I apply every day in F1, both on and off the track.
Another key lesson is to stay focused and not get carried away by external pressure. My father has always been very disciplined, and he’s shown me that in racing, just like in life, keeping a clear mind and staying true to your approach is what leads to long-term success.
FC: Is there any style advice you live by?
Carlos Jr.: The best style advice I follow is to keep it simple, invest in quality, and wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. I’ve learned that the best-dressed men are those who don’t try too hard but still pay attention to the details.
That’s why I like Hackett London—it allows me to dress elegantly without overcomplicating things. I prefer classic, well-fitted pieces that I know will always work, rather than chasing trends. At the end of the day, style should feel natural, not forced.
FC: You’ve had an incredible rally career, how do you see Carlos Jr.’s journey in F1 compared to your own experiences in motorsport?
Carlos Sr.: Carlos’s journey in F1 has been very different from mine in rallying, but at the core, the principles remain the same—dedication, discipline, and the constant pursuit of improvement. In rallying, you face ever-changing conditions, adapting to different terrains and challenges, while in F1, the focus is on precision, speed, and extracting the maximum from the car in a controlled environment.
One of the things I admire most about his journey is how he has built his own path. He didn’t take the easy route, and he’s had to prove himself at every step. That resilience reminds me of my own career—working hard to earn every opportunity. Seeing him grow as a driver and establish himself in F1 has been very rewarding, and I know he still has a lot to achieve.
FC: Do you ever give your son fashion advice, or does he influence your style more these days?
Carlos Sr.: I definitely give him some fashion advice from time to time, though I have to admit, he’s influenced my style a lot over the years. I’ve always been a fan of classic, timeless pieces, but Carlos has introduced me to some more modern touches and sharper fits that have made their way into my wardrobe.
We both enjoy similar styles, so we share ideas, but I still maintain my preference for certain classic pieces. I’ve seen how he adapts trends in a way that still stays true to his own style, and I respect that. Ultimately, we both appreciate quality and simplicity, and that’s what makes Hackett London such a perfect fit for both of us.
FC: How would you define your personal style, and has it changed over the years?
Carlos Sr.: I’d define my style as classic, elegant, and comfortable. Over the years, it hasn’t changed drastically, but I’ve definitely become more open to modernizing some of my choices. I’ve always gravitated towards timeless pieces, things that will never go out of style, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself embracing slightly more fitted cuts and contemporary details. That said, I still stay true to the fundamentals—quality and simplicity are always key for me.
FC: What’s next for both of you, on and off the track?
Carlos Jr.: On the track, my focus is on the upcoming F1 season with Atlassian Williams Racing. It’s an exciting new chapter in my career, and I’m eager to keep improving and competing at the highest level. Off the track, I’m continuing to develop my personal style, and working with brands like Hackett London is something I really enjoy. I also look forward to spending more time with my family and keeping that balance, which is crucial.
Carlos Sr.: On the track, my focus remains on the Dakar Rally, where I’m aiming to help Ford achieve their first win with the Raptor. It’s an incredibly challenging competition, but it’s something I’m passionate about, and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey. Off the track, I’ll continue supporting my wife, my two daughters and Carlos, as he continues to grow in F1. It’s a pleasure watching his career unfold, and I know he’s best moments are still to come.