Sebastian Vettel believes the world needs to “rethink our behavior” to tackle climate change


But his mindset and approach to off-track issues has evolved with age and experience.

But the 35-year-old expressed that as he gets older and more susceptible to off-track issues, he is more willing to take steps to address them.

“It sounds a bit stereotypical but you’re turning 30 and I mean I have kids so things are changing,” he explained. “And as much as I am the same as I was 10 years ago, I’m not the same anymore and a lot of things have changed.

“So too when it comes to interests or how you see the world and how you understand the world and I think I’ve always tried to see things but maybe I didn’t see as many things when I was young as in comparison about that today. Some things make me think, ‘What? How could you miss her?'”

And one of the issues that is very close to Vettel’s heart is climate change and the scale that should be taken to address the issue.

Earlier this year, the four-time world champion said climate change has made him question his job as a driver, traveling the world to drive cars.

Vettel believes the racing world is “not doing enough” to reinvest the huge profits it is making because “the problem we are facing is bigger than we might understand”.

“I feel like there’s a lot of money in Formula 1, a lot of money that’s being turned over and it’s about how much money we’re happy to reinvest. And I think that applies not only to Formula 1, but to all companies out there,” said Vettel.

“Of course we have big events, a lot of people take part, so you have to have the infrastructure to transport these people, for example if you want to prevent them from coming by car, which works well here in the Netherlands because it so is isolated and there are only two streets and it would be a disaster if everyone could come by car.”

F1 is trying to tackle the problem of climate change with new engine regulations that will come into effect in 2026.

In this new generation of cars, the engines will consume significantly less energy, use fully sustainable fuels and produce net-zero CO2 emissions while still maintaining the same performance and speed that fans love.

Vettel believes that if the sport wanted to implement these changes sooner, it could but would require him to put ‘internal issues’ aside.

“Of course we burn fuel to live out our passion and people see that. And if people criticize that, that’s fair,” he said.

“It’s fair to be criticized at a time when we are talking about an approaching winter when people may not be as comfortable as they used to be and are freezing at home and facing very, very different issues will be unable to pay their bills etc. and so on. I think it’s right that we see that and try to question it.

He added: “We, you and I, need to reconsider our behavior and be happy to maybe change some things and give up some comfort. Let’s face it, it often boils down to convenience.

“On the other hand, systematic changes are needed. It needs regulations and rules that don’t allow you to have the event unless you do certain things and you tick certain boxes.”

Vettel will drive for Aston Martin in the 2022 British Grand Prix.

The future

Like another great champion in another sport – Serena Williams – 2022 is the year for Vettel to retire from the cockpit, put on the helmet and retire from racing.

In his 15-year career, he became one of the most successful drivers in the sport with 53 race wins and 122 podiums.

Between 2010 and 2013 he was the dominant driver in F1, winning the Drivers’ Championship four years in a row while driving for Red Bull.

Only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have clinched more wins than Vettel, who is in his second year with Aston Martin after six years at Ferrari.

After such a distinguished career behind the wheel, Vettel is relishing the opportunity to spend more time with his three children without also having to worry about his on-track performance.

Vettel celebrates qualifying for the American Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas on November 2, 2019.

“It may sound strange, but also being there when I’m there and not thinking about what I have to do and prepare and think about to outsmart or overtake the others,” said Vettel.

He added: “And I know that the way I’ve done this job for so many years and want to do it, and I’m convinced that it’s the right thing to do, takes a lot of effort and a lot of energy. And if you try to do everything at the same time, it won’t work.

“So it was tough anyway, but I think I managed very well to be there and do this. I think the time feels right to be doing other things like I said which of course is a big part of focusing on family but also discovering new sides or new elements in me and the interests I have and give them more space and more time and more space to really explore.”

But despite retiring as one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, Vettel concedes that due to the nature of time, he will be forgotten.

“For racing, for what I’ve achieved on the track. But that will be forgotten one day because there are new kids, they are doing really great and they will continue to do great. And then there will be new children again.

“Hopefully we will continue to have some girls and women in the future. I don’t think I need to be remembered and I’m not offended if people forget me in that regard. So I think I’m happy with what I’ve achieved, but it’s normal that time flies and there are new heroes to celebrate.