F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel not being ‘hypocritical’ for promoting sustainability

X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

Sebastian Vettel says racing in F1 while also denouncing environmental issues or promoting sustainability does not make him a hypocrite.

In recent years, Vettel has often been vocal about the sport’s need to become more sustainable, a compulsion born out of the German’s active interest in the environment and sustainability issues.

But are the four-time world champion’s views on the environment and climate change really compatible with a profession that arguably only adds to the planet’s carbon footprint?

“I still rave about V12 engines,” Vettel told F1-Insider. “The sound and the vibrations are unique. But I’m only talking as a racing driver romantic.

“But as a human being, I know that we can no longer be wasteful with our resources.

“There are probably people who are now pointing the finger at me and saying I’m hypocritical because I’m a Formula 1 driver. Because we race and because we travel to most places by plane.

“But racing is my profession and my passion. My point is that there are ways to make the whole Formula One business much more environmentally friendly and sustainable, too.”

Vettel’s move to Aston Martin this season was followed by an endorsement deal with team sponsor and Austrian water company BWT with whom the 53-time Grand Prix winner is promoting the unnecessary use of disposable water bottles.

Vettel believes the deal is right in line with what F1’s objectives should be regarding its sustainability efforts.

“It’s not about doing away with things, but making them better and acting more responsibly, that you can live sustainably and still pursue your passion,” he said.

“I think always questioning yourself is the start of that. The future concerns us all. But when I put on my helmet, I still want to be faster than the others.

“Otherwise I couldn’t and wouldn’t do the job anymore. Otherwise, there would be no reason to lower the visor anymore.

“My job and my passion are still racing. And after so many years, I also know what it takes to set the right priorities.

“I’ve always been the type of person who, when I tackle something, wants to do it right. But I’m only talking about the time when I’m actively practicing my sport.

“We have to be clear that in the end, nature is the most important thing of all.”

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Piastri on Webber’s impact: ‘He’s beneficial to me and to McLaren’

Oscar Piastri has credited his manager, Mark Webber, with having a significant influence not only…

14 hours ago

Villeneuve: ‘Lawson came into F1 very arrogant’

Jacques Villeneuve has offered a different view on the fate suffered by Red Bull Racing…

15 hours ago

Tsunoda sets bold target for Red Bull debut: ‘I want a podium!’

Yuki Tsunoda is gearing up for his grand debut with Red Bull Racing at his…

17 hours ago

Alonso not keen on V10 revival: ‘We’re in a different world now’

Fernando Alonso has weighed in decisively against F1’s idea of re-introducing normally aspirated V10 engines…

18 hours ago

Once F1's youngest charger, whose career never took off

When he popped up in motorsport's junior ranks in the UK in the late seventies,…

19 hours ago

Hamilton hits back at doubters: ‘People just love to be negative’

Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has hit back at those “talking out of turn”…

20 hours ago