Cologne - "We probably share many views when it comes to Formula 1," said Vettel in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung: "I think it's great. It is encouraging that she is fighting for our future with such determination. A real role model that the whole world should follow and especially older men should listen to more.”
Vettel himself had begun to speak out louder and more decisively on political and social issues last year, saying that this is a "natural" process associated with aging.
In the racing series, his behavior is "viewed very critically," said the 34-year-old: "Our sport is fast and progressive in many ways. But we're not exactly pioneers when it comes to ideas.” The premier class always wants to appear open in their communication. To be honest, I lack this courage internally. More is happening now than it was ten years ago, but so much more could happen. In any case, there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to possible reforms.”
Vettel: Formula 1 must help as an innovation driver
The hybrid engine formula, which has existed since 2014, is problematic, “it does not drive technical development forward. Especially not those of the production cars. Or how our racing calendar is drawn up, financial interests should not be the top priority here. Rather, the planning should make sense.” Last year, for example, there were sometimes races on three continents within three weeks: “We shouldn’t fly from east to west or north to south, but check out stations that are close together anyway.”
If Formula 1 does not continue to adapt, it runs the risk of "being overtaken or even disappearing within the next ten years". The drive planned from 2026 with an even larger proportion of electricity, also operated with climate-neutral petrol, is a late but correct step. “We should generally be flexible when it comes to mobility issues. I don't think that the electric car alone can be the answer, or the hydrogen car or the combustion engine," said Vettel: "The combination of known things and something new that may still be invented and developed - that's the answer. “Formula 1 can and must help as an innovation driver.
