Carlos Sainz confirms future of Sparkles as Williams fans beg for special livery
The fan-made unicorn has gone from a joke to a good-luck charm to a full merch collection, and now Williams fans want it everywhere
Carlos Sainz has confirmed that the fan-made 'Sparkles' unicorn sticker will remain on his helmet design next year. This means the feel-good story that started earlier in the 2025 season won't come to an end this Christmas.
Asked in a video posted by the Williams Formula 1 team on Instagram whether the sticker will be staying on the helmet next season, he had a clear response: “It has to. I guess so. Surprise, surprise.”
Sparkles first appeared as a small, fan-designed sticker placed on the Spaniard's lid earlier this year after being given to the driver by a young fan, Thea. The sticker quickly turned into his lucky charm after he scored a long-awaited podium for the team at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. From there, Sparkles became more than just a joke.
“I'm pretty sure either Sparkles or Sprinkles had something to do with this as well at the same time," team principal James Vowles said after the race. "So, that's staying, I assume, for a little while.”
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Sainz added: “Until the end of the year, for sure.” Little did he know.
The team has since launched a merchandise collection revolving around the design, with a portion of the revenue going to Thea and her family.
With this news, fans immediately started pitching the next steps. One commented, “Make a special livery inspired by Sparkle plsss... like the color scheme of that helmet," while another asked, “can we get her called next season in the paddock?" A third supported this idea: "Invite Thea to the paddock next season please."
Other reactions leaned into how Sparkles is now a non-negotiable part of Sainz's brand at Williams. “We have it confirmed guys, Carlos Sainz has renewed his contract with sparkles for the 2026 season," one follower wrote.
Another added: “Sparkles is a part of Carlos now," while one more replied: "Points before and points after Sparkle. The world needs to know."
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