Sebastian Vettel is afraid that Formula 1 may be banned because of its carbon emissions

He does not see the future with optimism. It is known that Sebastian Vettel is a staunch advocate for the environment. The German has spoken out on numerous occasions to denounce the climate emergency. During his last season in Formula 1, the former Aston Martin driver wore t-shirts with slogans. Particularly in Miami, where the city is increasingly threatened by rising seas, or in Canada, where oil sands are being exploited.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion has nonetheless kept his passion for speed and continues to fulfill it with sessions on board old monopostos. However, these are powered by synthetic fuels, which are less polluting than their fossil fuel counterparts.

Taking pleasure, while respecting nature

Sebastian Vettel’s objective, through these rides, is to show that one can continue to have fun. « But perhaps in a more responsible way. It is something that not everyone may have fully understood yet », he thinks.

By detailing the numerous climate hazards that have affected the Earth since the beginning of the year – wildfires in Canada, floods in Miami and Imola – he estimates that many events could be cancelled in the future due to the pollution generated by Formula 1.

A return to F1 as a consultant?

There is a direct relationship between extreme weather conditions and the changing world, the warming world. It is not so much the threat that people might stick to the track on a race day or perhaps at Goodwood, it is more the threat that at some point, governments will be looking at things they can cut and ban, and perhaps motorsport is threatened.

In the face of these concerns, Sebastian Vettel does not rule out a return to F1. Not as a driver, but with the status of a consultant and environmental expert. « “We’ll see, I have some ideas, I went to Monaco earlier this year, I had a very good meeting with Stefano [Domenicali, CEO of F1],” reveals the German.

« Beyond the cars that directly pollute, F1 has a huge responsibility because it’s a very big event and many people attend. You had around 400,000 to 500,000 people at the British Grand Prix last weekend, so there are many more than just the F1 cars. »

F1, a giant laboratory

For him, the future of the discipline must be integrated with hybrid technology. It should also serve as a testing laboratory to then implement all the innovations on road cars. « If there are none, then you must ask yourself the question “what is the point of what we are doing and can we do better?” »

According to Sebastian Vettel, it would be necessary to use synthetic fuels, similar to the ones he uses for his McLaren of Ayrton Senna and his Williams of Nigel Mansell. He emphasizes a price that is four to five times cheaper than the fuel currently used in F1.