Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel has completed a Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports course at Harvard Business School.
After retiring from F1 at the end of the 2022 season, the German driver has been involved in various projects, including investing in a new German SailGP team, supporting sustainable fuels, and hosting Race4Women events to support young women in motorsport.
Now, the 37-year-old driver has turned to academics. He has completed a four-day course at the Harvard Business School, reportedly worth £9,400 ($12,750), on the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports.
Vettel revealed his plans for further education during an interview with RTL in November 2024.
“I am indeed going to school. I’m training in agriculture,” the former Red Bull driver said. “But it’s practically a condensed version of it. Afterward, I can run my own business. This world fascinates me.”
“I find it extremely exciting when it comes to the future of agriculture,” he added. “The training isn’t full-time. With the three kids, there’s a lot to do anyway. But it’s much quieter than before; I don’t travel as much anymore.”
This comes after Vettel was linked to a potential return to F1 with Red Bull to take over Helmut Marko’s position when he eventually retires. However, Vettel explained that he thinks Marko will be around for a “very long time.”
Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull Motorsport Consultant, Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Patrik Lundin / Motorsport Images
“He has already said a few times that he will stop – but he is still there. And I hope he’ll be around for a very long time. I still get on really well with Helmut and we are also in dialogue.
“As far as the topic of succession is concerned, it’s not yet as intensive or as in depth, but that is perhaps something that could play a role. It remains to be seen in what form, but of course it will continue inexorably at some point and I think Helmut knows that too.
“He is a brutal realist and can assess things very well and very genuinely. I think he will realise when the time is right. I think I know the position very well from my time when I was very close to it.
“But to be fair, I have to admit that I haven’t been that close to him in recent years. I believe, regardless of how it turns out and who succeeds him, that we can still learn a great deal from Helmut and that the position will inevitably be filled differently and lived out differently.
“Because I don’t think it’s possible to replace him completely. Helmut is not replaceable, let’s leave it at that! He is a character and has also made a huge contribution to what the whole team has achieved over the years since 2005.
“Whoever it is, it would be great if the work he has put in is continued.”
