Sebastian Vettel confirmes his only formula 1 regret….read more
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has opened up about a lingering regret from his career as a racing driver, reflecting on his journey in the sport and the lessons he learned along the way. In a candid interview with the BBC, Vettel shared that his only true regret during his 15-year-long F1 career was not speaking out sooner on issues that mattered to him, particularly concerning the environment and diversity within the sport. The German driver, who retired from Formula 1 in 2022, acknowledged that early in his career, he was too focused on racing and didn’t give much thought to the broader societal challenges affecting the world around him.
Vettel’s career began in 2007 with Toro Rosso, before making a name for himself at Red Bull, where he achieved remarkable success. He secured four consecutive drivers’ championships from 2010 to 2013, dominating the sport during that period. Throughout his time at Red Bull, Vettel’s racing abilities and relentless drive to win made him one of the most successful and admired drivers in F1 history. Later, he spent time at Ferrari and Aston Martin, but it was during his latter years in the sport that his perspective began to shift.
Initially, Vettel’s primary focus was always on the racetrack, and like many athletes at the peak of their careers, he dedicated all his energy to the pursuit of racing success. However, as he matured, his view of the world began to evolve, and he realized that being in such a high-profile position came with an opportunity to address larger issues beyond the sport. It wasn’t until the later stages of his career that Vettel recognized the power and influence he could wield as a global sporting figure, and he became more outspoken about matters close to his heart.
Vettel became a staunch advocate for sustainability, using his platform to raise awareness about the environmental impact of Formula 1 and the world at large. He also campaigned for greater diversity within the sport, calling attention to the lack of representation and opportunities for marginalized communities in motorsport. These efforts included supporting initiatives that promoted inclusivity and spoke out against discriminatory practices within the sport.
One of the most memorable moments of Vettel’s advocacy came during the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix, when he wore a ‘Same Love’ t-shirt to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. The move sparked a heated exchange with fellow driver Lewis Hamilton and resulted in Vettel being reprimanded by the FIA for his defiance in refusing to remove the shirt. This moment encapsulated Vettel’s willingness to stand up for his beliefs, even if it meant going against the grain of traditional expectations in Formula 1.
Reflecting on these moments, Vettel admitted that if he had the chance to go back in time, he would have spoken out earlier in his career. He stated that his only true regret was not using his influential platform sooner to bring attention to pressing social and environmental issues. “I was solely focused on racing,” Vettel explained. “It was the only thing that was occupying my day, really.” However, as his career progressed, he began to realize the potential power he had to inspire and influence others.
As a professional athlete, Vettel understood that his audience extended far beyond the racetrack. Athletes are often seen as role models, and their actions and words can have a far-reaching impact. Vettel recognized that he could use this influence to promote messages that mattered to him, such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and diversity. His regret, he shared, was not using his voice earlier in his career to advocate for these causes.
Despite this regret, Vettel’s later years in F1 demonstrated that it is never too late to make a difference. He worked tirelessly to push for change, even when he was no longer in his prime competitive years. His advocacy for environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of Formula 1’s transition to hybrid engines and carbon-neutral goals, was an example of how athletes can use their positions to make a lasting impact on the world.
In the end, Vettel’s legacy is not just defined by his impressive statistics on the racetrack but also by the positive change he championed in the latter part of his career. His message was clear: it’s never too late to use your platform for good, and the power of athletes to inspire change can be transformative for the world. While he may regret not speaking out earlier, his actions in his final years prove that it’s never too late to make a meaningful difference.
