Carlos Sainz brought some relaxed California style to race weekend in Texas.
The Formula 1 driver arrived for media day at the 2026 United States Grand Prix in Austin wearing the Doheny Relaxed Straight Jean from Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand PAIGE.
Sainz selected the jeans in the Whitaker wash, a medium-blue shade that gives the denim a vintage, worn-in appearance. The heritage-inspired style features a relaxed silhouette, straight leg and a small amount of stretch intended to provide greater comfort.
The appearance offered another example of how Formula 1 drivers are transforming the paddock into one of sports’ most closely watched menswear spaces. While racing suits and team uniforms remain essential once competition begins, arrival looks give drivers an opportunity to display their personal style before getting behind the wheel.
Rather than choosing an elaborate runway look, Sainz kept his race-weekend wardrobe grounded in one of menswear’s most reliable staples. The relaxed fit also reflects the continued shift away from the skinny jeans that dominated men’s fashion for years. Straight-leg and roomier denim silhouettes have increasingly become part of everyday wardrobes, delivering comfort without appearing overly casual.
The timing of the look was fitting for Austin, where Formula 1’s international appeal meets Texas’ longstanding association with denim and Western dressing. Sainz’s jeans offered a quieter interpretation of the region’s style than the cowboy hats, boots and heavily embellished Western shirts frequently seen throughout race weekend.
PAIGE describes itself as a premium denim and lifestyle label that combines timeless wardrobe pieces with a modern California aesthetic. The brand was founded in Los Angeles and has expanded beyond jeans to offer shirts, jackets, footwear and other wardrobe essentials for men and women.
Sainz is not the only recognizable name to wear the label. PAIGE has also been spotted on celebrities including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, Eva Longoria, Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper and professional baseball player Freddie Freeman.
For shoppers interested in recreating the driver’s off-track look, the PAIGE Doheny Relaxed Straight Jean in Whitaker is currently available through the company’s website for $219. The jeans have a 32-inch inseam.
Sainz’s arrival served as a reminder that Formula 1 style does not always require bold prints, luxury tailoring or obvious racing graphics. Sometimes, a strong pair of jeans can still earn a place on the starting grid.
