Can we still indulge in our passion if it is no longer really in line with our values? Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula 1 world champion, has long wondered. And if the German pilot ends his brilliant career today, it is partly for ecological reasons.
“Certainly when I see the world changing and seeing the future in a very threatened position for all of us and especially for future generations, I understand that part of my passion, my job, comes with things I’m not a fan of.” These are the words the four-time Formula 1 world champion spoke during a press conference on Thursday, July 28.
Sebastien Vettel is retiring after 15 and a half seasons in Formula 1. Today, the pilot and father of three children wants to devote himself to his family life. But that’s not all, it seems that ecology has weighed in in its decision. Interviewed as part of the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel shared his growing interest in the environment. “Times have changed, we can no longer hide”he explained to new york times.
“Of course I travel the world, racing cars, burning resources, literally. These are things I can’t turn away from.”
Under one of his new battles: the protection of bees. Specifically, he built a hotel to house these precious pollinating insects.
In addition, the world of Formula 1 takes the topic of global warming very seriously. It must be said that these powerful vehicles, which consume up to 65 liters per 100 liters and consume almost twenty tires per race, are not exemplary.
To make this sport more responsible, the boss of the FIA (International Automobile Federation) and that of F1 have set themselves a target: zero CO2 emissions by 2030. How? In particular by using sustainable materials for vehicles and by recycling waste at the Grands Prix.
Taking racing and testing into account, Formula 1 is exposed to 17 tons of CO2 every weekend, 20 times a year. Awareness is therefore necessary.