Former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel responds to criticism of his climate advocacy
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Sebastian Vettel, who retired from Formula 1 in 2022, has remained a vocal and dedicated advocate for environmental causes, continuing the efforts he championed during his time in the sport.
Although it might seem unexpected for a former F1 driver to take on such a prominent role in the climate change movement, Vettel’s commitment to the environment has become one of his most defining post-F1 endeavors. Since his debut in F1 at the 2007 United States Grand Prix, the German racing legend earned worldwide recognition for his remarkable success behind the wheel of high-performance, fossil-fuel-powered cars. Over the course of his illustrious career, Vettel secured four Formula 1 World Championships with Red Bull, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of the sport.
However, his environmental advocacy has often drawn attention due to the irony of his past. The very vehicles he once raced—burning fossil fuels—contradict the sustainable future he now envisions. This contradiction hasn't gone unnoticed, and Vettel himself acknowledges the complexities surrounding his environmental message. While his racing history contributes to an undeniable ecological footprint, he has been transparent about the challenge of reconciling his past with his present efforts to reduce climate impact. Despite the criticism, Vettel remains steadfast in his mission to raise awareness about the urgent need for sustainability, emphasizing the importance of change within both his personal life and the broader global community.
In a recent interview with Zurich's *Tages-Anzeiger*, the former Ferrari driver acknowledged the criticism he faces, admitting that his past actions make him “the biggest hypocrite” when discussing environmental issues. He explained that although he recognizes the large footprint he left, particularly from years of flying around the world in business or first class, he is determined to raise awareness and adapt his habits as he becomes more conscious of his impact.
He stated that he must accept the accusation, but emphasized that feeling shame would not solve the problem. Instead, he believes the key is confronting the issue and seeking solutions. The German pointed out that everyone is somewhat hypocritical, as we all indulge in activities that may not be entirely sustainable. He used the example of traveling to Thailand for a holiday, which, while not essential, is an incredibly beautiful destination.
Sebastian Vettel explained that while we should not ban travel, the focus should be on developing technological solutions that would allow us to maintain our lifestyles in a more sustainable way.
Throughout his illustrious career in Formula 1, Sebastian Vettel participated in more than 300 Grands Prix, often flying across the globe on private jets or in first-class cabins. This jet-setting lifestyle, combined with the high-carbon footprint of the sport, has left a significant environmental impact. For instance, in 2019, the Formula 1 championship alone contributed a staggering 256,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. However, Formula 1 has taken steps to address this issue, setting an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. Significant changes are being implemented to reduce the sport’s environmental impact, including the introduction of a new powertrain in 2026, which will focus on electric power and sustainable fuels.
Despite this, the four-time Formula 1 world champion rejects the notion of feeling guilty about his past actions. Instead, he focuses on using his platform and experience to advocate for positive environmental change, acknowledging the challenges while striving for a more sustainable future.
At the beginning of his journey into environmental advocacy, Sebastian Vettel reflected on the years he spent traveling the world for Formula 1, often flying across continents in private jets. He admitted that he initially felt guilty about the environmental impact of his past lifestyle, realizing the long-term consequences of his actions. However, as time passed, Vettel’s mindset shifted. He began to embrace optimism as the driving force behind his efforts for positive change.
In discussing the impact of his previous luxurious travel habits, Vettel questioned whether the measures he’s taken to offset his environmental footprint truly “balance the books.” He acknowledged that while planting trees is a popular environmental initiative, it's crucial to ask whether the right species are being planted in the correct locations, and whether they are being properly maintained. He highlighted that even receiving a certificate for planting trees might offer temporary relief for the conscience, but it's often worth delving deeper into the actual effectiveness of such efforts. Simply ticking the box for taking a flight, for instance, is not enough to truly address the issue. The German admitted that eliminating his environmental footprint entirely is a complicated task, but it’s one that he continues to grapple with.
In recent years, following his retirement from Formula 1 in 2022, Vettel made significant changes to his lifestyle. He now opts for a camper van when traveling on holiday with his family, a choice that reflects his commitment to more sustainable and eco-friendly habits. During his final years in F1, he embraced this mode of travel, staying at campsites instead of flying. Despite the surprise of some fans when they recognize him, he explained that after sharing a beer with them, the initial shock wears off, and they are simply a “normal camping family.”
Sebastian Vettel took his environmental efforts even further by monitoring his own carbon footprint, starting a few years before his retirement. He meticulously tracked every car kilometer, flight, and overnight stay. When comparing his own figures to those of the average consumer, he was shocked by the disparity. This prompted him to take proactive measures to reduce his carbon emissions. One of the key changes he made was drastically cutting back on air travel. For instance, during his final Formula 1 season, he traveled by car to most European races, with the exception of Silverstone and Budapest.
Beyond his personal efforts, the former Ferrari man has continued his advocacy for environmental sustainability after leaving Formula 1. He has used his platform to promote the use of sustainable fuels, particularly at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Additionally, he has championed biodiversity through his Buzzin’ Corner project at Austria's Red Bull Ring, demonstrating his commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues within the motorsport industry. In fact, Vettel has had several discussions with FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem about how to make Formula 1 more eco-friendly, aiming to influence positive change within the sport he once dominated.
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