Sebastian Vettel is very open
“I am the biggest hypocrite there is”
09.03.2025 – 1:34 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
As a long-standing Formula 1 driver for the fight for the climate? No contradiction for Sebastian Vettel-but the 37-year-old also practices self-criticism with surprising words.
The former Formula 1 star Sebastian Vettel can understand the criticism of his commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. “I have to put up with this accusation. And yes: I am the biggest hypocrite that I have when I talk about environmental topics and at the same time left such a big footprint,” Vettel replied in an interview with the “Tages-Anzeiger” in Zurich when asked if he was a hypocrite.
He flew around the world in the formula for 1 for years in business or first class and left a huge ecological footprint. “But I have to feel bad because of this? We won’t solve the problem with shame, but rather by confronting ourselves and looking for solutions,” said the four-time world champion, who ended his Formula 1 career at the end of 2022.
“We are all hypocritical because we also enjoy things that we know that they are not so good. Do we have to fly on vacation in Thailand? No. But it is also incredibly beautiful there,” said Vettel, who has lived in Switzerland since 2007. “We should not ban travel, but offer technological options that allow us to do the same as before – only more sustainable.”
Vettel campaigned primarily at the end of his Formula 1 career for topics such as sustainability and diversity. Most recently, he discussed the circular economy with Swiss students.
“I am in a luxury position. I have the time to deal with these topics and also the opportunity to do alternatives,” said Vettel. “Fast fashion is advertised, it is tempting to buy two or three T-shirts. To show that they do not last long and pay the price for it-the planet, the environment, the people who are in the manufacturing chain-is our goal.”
Everything starts with consciousness. “If you are aware of things, you can also change something. I want to sharpen this awareness with the children,” said Vettel, who last resigned early with Mick Schumacher at the “Race of Champions” show event “Race of Champions”.