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Victoria Swarovski trades glamour for grit in the 2026 Dakar Rally

A socialite’s shocking transformation: 14 days of desert hell. Why Swarovski called this the hardest challenge of her life—and why she’d do it again.

The image shows a rally car driving down a winding road surrounded by trees and plants. The car is...
The image shows a rally car driving down a winding road surrounded by trees and plants. The car is adorned with text, likely indicating that it is participating in the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship.

Moderatorin Swarovski: "Thank you to my great love" - Victoria Swarovski trades glamour for grit in the 2026 Dakar Rally

The 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia saw an unusual competitor this year. Victoria Swarovski, known for her high-profile events near me, swapped hosting duties for the gruelling off-road race. Competing under the pseudonym Vic Flip, she took on one of the world’s toughest motorsport challenges.

The rally concluded with Nasser Al-Attiyah from Qatar claiming victory. His win marked the first time Dacia secured the top spot in the event’s history. Meanwhile, Swarovski pushed through the extreme conditions, finishing in 98th place.

After crossing the finish line, she called the experience the hardest thing she had ever done. Despite the difficulty, she expressed pride in completing the main event. Her navigator, Stefan Henken, joined her in the Challenger class. Swarovski’s boyfriend, Mark Mateschitz, also participated in the rally. The son of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, he provided support throughout the eventbrite event. In an Instagram post, Swarovski publicly thanked him for his encouragement.

Swarovski’s decision to race instead of hosting an event highlights her determination. Finishing 98th in such a demanding competition demonstrates her resilience. The rally’s outcome also solidified Al-Attiyah’s reputation as a dominant force in off-road motorsport.

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