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Vettel supportive of Extinction Rebellion protest at Dutch GP

Sebastian Vettel says that any protest destined to raise awareness on climate change is "good", with the German driver referring to environmental group Extinction Rebellion's expected presence at Zandvoort.

The global environmental movement, which promotes using nonviolent civil disobedience to force governments to tackle climate change, plans to protest Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix.

The group will convey the message that Formula 1 needs to do more to reduce its carbon footprint and its impact on the environment, and that's an intendment that Vettel agrees with.

"We're living in a time when it's important to raise attention and that's what they're doing, and that's good," Vettel told the media at Zandvoort.

"There are lots of things F1 is planning to do. Some small things that Formula 1 is taking action on which is good. But is it enough? No. Is it enough from what we're doing as a society?

"Obviously It's very different in every single country and some countries are further along than others, some people are further along in their heads in addressing this topic than others.

"But as a whole of humanity, are we doing enough? Probably not."

Vettel has undertaken a series of personal actions to raise awareness for the environment, with his most recent initiative taking place at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone where the German put together a group to collect the garbage in the grandstands after the race.

But the four-time world champion agrees that F1, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2030, will only remain relevant in the future if he it does its part for the environment.

"I think it is vital that we understand what is at stake," added the German. And if we don't get it, then I think there is no future. It sounds very dark.

"But equally, on the bright side, there's a lot of things that we can do and I believe there's a place for F1, providing F1 is addressing the right things and making the right moves.

"There can always be more which can be done. The small things that are taken action on are good, [and it] is the first step, but not more than the first step yet."

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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.

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