Carlos Sainz Unicorn helmet sticker inspires podium finish at Baku Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz drew attention during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku when he appeared on track with a unicorn sticker placed on the back of his helmet. According to Williams Racing, the colorful addition was not just a playful decoration but the result of a special fan interaction.

The sticker was designed by Thea, a young fan from the United Kingdom, who shared her story on the debut episode of Call Carbono, a show where fans submit dilemmas and receive advice from the Carbono duo. Thea asked whether her unicorn should be called “Sparkles” or “Sprinkles” and jokingly suggested it could appear on a race helmet. Carlos Sainz responded by promising that if Thea provided a drawing, he would honor her request at a future race.

True to his word, Sainz carried the unicorn — affectionately referred to as “Sparkles or Sprinkles” — on his helmet in Baku. The gesture quickly caught the attention of fans and commentators, many of whom praised the lighthearted moment in Formula 1’s otherwise intense environment.

The unicorn seemed to bring good fortune. Sainz qualified P2 before securing a P3 podium finish on race day. It marked Williams’ first Grand Prix podium in four years and their first in a full-length race since 2017. To mark the achievement, a spare unicorn sticker was even placed on the P3 trophy, symbolizing the unique story behind the weekend’s success.

The team has since celebrated the podium with special memorabilia, including a limited-edition Azerbaijan badge and retro-inspired driver card upgrades. While the debate between “Sparkles” and “Sprinkles” remains unresolved, Sainz’s helmet tribute highlights the growing connection between Formula 1 drivers and their fan communities.