"Without Stigma, Without Shame": F1 Racer Carlos Sainz Discusses Skincare, Essential Grooming for Time Off, and Preparation for Race Day

      (Image credit: @tiziano.raw; Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris) Sports enthusiasts are already familiar with Carlos Sainz, the Spanish Formula One (F1) driver who is under a multi-year contract with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team. Sainz has made a name for himself both on and off the track, balancing a rigorous training routine, participating in major grands prix, featuring in Netflix's immensely popular Drive to Survive docuseries, and becoming the star of several viral videos showcasing his now-famous "Smooth Operator" antics. If you know, you know.

      In addition to all this, Sainz serves as a global brand ambassador for L'Oréal, mainly representing the Elvive haircare line and Men Expert skincare products. WWW had the rare chance to speak with Sainz from the South of France while he was attending the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival on behalf of the brand. In our exclusive interview, Sainz shares his must-have grooming essentials, details how he prepares physically and mentally for the demands of race day, and discusses breaking down antiquated perceptions surrounding men's skincare and haircare.

      (Image credit: @tiziano.raw; Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris) Sainz joins the call via video from Cannes, where he's preparing to walk the red carpet at the prestigious film festival in front of countless cameras. "This is my second time here," he shares. "I got my first taste of it last year and met a lot of other L'Oréal Paris ambassadors. It was a fantastic experience. Now, being here for the second consecutive year, I think it might become a tradition." I remark that he could become accustomed to the red carpet, and he laughs. "I don’t think I’ll ever get used to red carpets. It’s not really my thing, but I am gradually becoming more comfortable with them," he acknowledges.

      One area where he feels at ease is discussing his skincare routine, being a L'Oréal brand ambassador. His go-to product is a vitamin C serum, which he finds helpful in combating fatigue, whether due to his F1 commitments or the effects of travel. "In the end, you need something to keep you feeling fresh," he explains.

      During his rare downtime, Sainz enjoys playing three sports: golf, cycling, and padel (a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash). "It’s usually a mix of either golf with padel or cycling with golf or cycling with padel," he says. "If the weather is warm and there's high UV exposure, I definitely use SPF 50 for protection."

      For more formal occasions, he relies on his favorite vitamin C serum and another grooming staple: L'Oréal Men Expert Barber Club Beard & Skin Oil ($19). "I think it gives you a better feel and touch of care," he notes. "It all depends on where I'm going or what I'm doing. There are many other products I incorporate, but I would say [the vitamin C and SPF 50] are my daily essentials. I use other products for specific situations."

      (Image credit: @tiziano.raw; Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris) He’s equally open about his haircare regimen. He uses L'Oréal Elvive Growth Booster, which is currently available only in Europe. Thankfully, there’s an equally effective U.S. alternative—the Hyaluron Pure Oil Erasing Scalp Serum ($12). "Ultimately, that product shields my hair and keeps it strong during all the hours I spend sweating in a helmet or cap," he explains. "With the varied environments and humidity levels in different countries I visit, I feel like I'm safeguarding my hair when I use it in the morning and even in the evening after the track."

      Sainz credits L'Oréal for helping him recognize the importance of skincare and haircare in self-care. "A few years ago, I wasn't as dedicated to it, but L'Oréal has shown me its significance. I'm starting to notice the difference, and by investing a bit more time in my haircare or skincare, I see improvements. I can feel it myself," he says.

      I can't help but ask if he has shared any grooming tips or product recommendations with his friends. It seems this topic is quite relevant. "It's amusing because I recently noticed who else is using the products I recommend," he admits. "Sometimes, I show up to dinners with them, and I notice they appear a bit more moisturized or look fresher. I’ll comment, 'You’re taking care of yourself. You're using products,' and they’ll own up to it."

      Sainz believes this change reflects evolving cultural attitudes. He says, "I think the stigma around men caring for their skin is fading. I speak openly about it. I have no shame in admitting that I have [skin and hair] routines just like I have routines for my sport. It truly makes you feel