VIDEO | Sainz meets young fan behind unicorn sticker: ‘Brought me a lot of luck’

The Williams team posted a heartwarming video on social media on Monday; Carlos Sainz finally met Thea, the young fan who designed a unicorn sticker for him last season. The Spanish driver placed the sticker on his helmet during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and subsequently drove to his first podium finish. During their first meeting at the Williams headquarters in Grove, he personally thanked his young supporter for her support.

Read more VIDEO | Norris riles up Verstappen fans: ‘Hamilton should have eight titles’

In 2025, Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon were presented with questions from fans in the lead-up to the race weekend in Baku. The British Thea, one of Sainz’s youngest supporters, asked him if he would like to drive with a unicorn sticker. Sainz agreed without hesitation and placed the striking design on the back of his helmet. The blue unicorn, drawn by Thea herself, brought him a lot of luck: Sainz qualified second in Azerbaijan and captured his first podium for Williams in the race. “You have to wear that sticker all the time now,” Max Verstappen joked afterwards in the cooldown room.

First meeting

A meeting between Thea and the Spanish driver was therefore inevitable. In the lead-up to the new F1 season, she was invited to Williams’ home base in Grove for her birthday. There, she received an extensive tour of the factory, including a one-on-one conversation with team principal James Vowles. He showed her the trophy that Sainz had won in Baku, which had also been fitted with a unicorn sticker after the podium ceremony.

Read more VIDEO | Norris riles up Verstappen fans: ‘Hamilton should have eight titles’

To top it all off, Sainz himself also appeared on the scene. In honor of her birthday, he shared a piece of cake and thanked her once again for her support. “You brought me a lot of luck last year,” the Spaniard smiled. Watch the video below:

View the 2026 F1 calendar here