Vettel on his biggest regret: ‘I should have used my….read more
Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, has expressed regret over not using his influential platform to speak out on social issues earlier in his career. In a candid interview with the BBC, the German driver reflected on his evolution from a race-focused athlete to an advocate for causes such as equality, climate change, and human rights.
Vettel’s career, spanning from his F1 debut in 2007 to his final years with Aston Martin, saw him win four world titles with Red Bull and endure a challenging stint at Ferrari. Throughout much of his career, his primary focus was on racing, with little room for concerns beyond the track. But as he entered the twilight of his racing days, particularly during his last two seasons in 2021 and 2022, Vettel began to feel the weight of the world beyond the cockpit.
“When I started as a rookie, I was solely focused on racing, and it was the only thing that occupied my day,” Vettel said. However, by the end of his career, he realized one of his biggest regrets was not speaking out earlier. He now recognizes the immense reach and influence athletes like him have, and the potential they hold to inspire change.
During his final seasons, Vettel became increasingly vocal about issues such as gender inequality in motorsport, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental concerns. He utilized his helmet designs, race apparel, and public platform to raise awareness on these issues. His activism became one of the defining aspects of his final years in F1, alongside that of his former rival, Lewis Hamilton.
A significant turning point in Vettel’s advocacy came in 2021 when F1 raced in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its slow pace of change. In addition to competing, Vettel launched the “Race for Women” initiative, which aimed to give young girls and women a chance to experience racing through go-karting. This event, held in Jeddah, was a symbolic act in a country where women had only gained the legal right to drive in 2018. Vettel called this event a “quiet rebellion,” as it sought to challenge traditional gender roles and open up opportunities for women in motorsport.
Despite the difficulties in measuring the immediate impact of such actions, Vettel believed the event was meaningful. “It’s always difficult to quantify how much impact you have, but we certainly inspired a lot of girls and gave them the courage to pursue their dreams in a changing country,” he said. The initiative was not a one-off for Vettel, who hopes to continue nurturing these “seeds” by returning to Saudi Arabia to further empower young women and girls to speak out and participate in motorsport.
Vettel also spoke passionately about breaking the long-standing stereotype that motorsport is a male-dominated field. Reflecting on his own experiences in go-karting, he noted that while it was rare to race against girls, it was a positive evolution to see more girls participating in motorsport. He believes that increasing female participation in racing is crucial, especially in regions where cultural and societal changes are occurring more slowly.
“It’s important in Europe, but it’s even more important in a place like Saudi Arabia, where you can feel that things are opening up,” Vettel remarked. He emphasized that while change may not come as quickly as some would like, the fact that steps are being taken is a significant achievement. His hope is that these efforts will inspire future generations to break free from outdated stereotypes.
Even after retiring from F1, Vettel remains committed to raising awareness and driving change. He acknowledges that his career activism, though late-blooming, has left a lasting legacy in the sport. “It’s about spreading the message, planting seeds, and inspiring girls and young women, as well as people all over the world, with the platform I have,” he said.
Vettel’s regret at not using his voice earlier in his career may have lingered, but his final years in Formula 1 have demonstrated how powerful a platform an athlete can have. Through his actions, he has set a precedent for future athletes to leverage their influence for good. While he once chased the checkered flag, Vettel now seeks a different kind of victory – one where his voice, rather than his titles, leaves an enduring impact on the world.
