After stepping away from Formula 1 in 2022, Sebastian Vettel has continued to be a strong advocate for the environment, continuing the work he started while still in the sport.
A former F1 driver may be an unlikely voice in the fight against climate change. Since his F1 debut at the 2007 United States Grand Prix, the German has been celebrated for his driving of fossil-fuel burning cars – cars he’s collected four world championship wins behind the wheel of. For this reason, his advocacy for the environment fights against the ecological footprint of his racing history – something that he is well aware of.
In an interview with Zurich’s Tages-Anzeiger, he admits that this makes him “the biggest hypocrite,” but is keen to spread awareness where he can while also adapting his personal habits now that he is more aware.
“I have to put up with this accusation. And yes: I am the biggest hypocrite there is when I talk about environmental issues and at the same time have left such a large footprint. I flew around the world for years – and not economy, but business or first class. But should I feel bad about it?
“We will not solve the problem with shame, but rather by confronting it and looking for solutions. We are all hypocrites because we also enjoy things that we know are not so good. Do we have to fly to Thailand on holiday? No. But it is also incredibly beautiful there.
“We should not ban travel, but offer technological options that allow us to do the same as before – only more sustainably.”
During his time in Formula 1, the racing driver took part in over 300 Grands Prix, frequently crossing continents in private jets and first-class flights. In 2019 alone, the F1 championship was responsible for 256,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The sport has since begun targeting an ambitious net-zero goal by 2030, with substantial changes coming from across the sport, including a new powertrain in 2026 which puts more emphasis on electric power and sustainable fuels.
Vettel rejects the idea of guilt following his long career.
“That may have been the case at the beginning of my involvement, when I thought: Oh, I’ve been racing and flying around the world for so many years, that wasn’t good! Nowadays, it’s much more optimism that drives me.”
He continued, confronting his past of luxury travel and whether he can “balance the books”:
“I did that before I retired in 2022. But that raises questions: Does that really balance the books? There are many great projects that may not have been implemented so well. Planting trees is a great way to do that. But: Are the right trees being planted? In the right location? Is care being taken to grow them? Will the tree still be standing in five years?
“Getting a certificate like this eases your conscience, but it’s often worth taking a closer look. Even ticking the box for flying isn’t enough. It’s therefore very difficult to completely eliminate my footprint.”
Nowadays, the former Red Bull ace travels via camper instead of by jet for holidays with his family, something he also did during his final years in F1.
“We set up camp at the campsite and are a completely normal camping family. When I am recognised, some people are surprised, but after the first beer together, that stops.”
Sebastian Vettel tests the Porsche 963
Photo by: Porsche Motorsport
He told the Red Bull website the following in 2023:
“A few years ago, I started measuring my carbon footprint. I wrote down every car kilometer, every flight, every overnight stay.
“Seeing this figure compared to that of the average consumer knocked my socks off. After that, I took measures to get the value down.
“Most of the reduction was cutting out flights. Except for Silverstone and Budapest, I travelled to all the European races by car last season.”
Since his time in F1, Vettel has promoted the use of sustainable fuels at Goodwood Festival of Speed, advocated for biodiversity at Austria’s Red Bull Ring with his Buzzin’ Corner project, and has consistently worked to raise awareness within the industry, holding talks with FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem himself on the matter.
