Vettel critical of Formula 1: 'We’ve ignored that for too long'

Sebastian Vettel is very concerned about the environment and the world around him. He is therefore very critical about the role of Formula 1 in this.

Pioneer in technology

Vettel believes that Formula 1 should take on a much more pioneering role when it comes to innovation and environmental friendliness. As an example, he mentions that Formula 1 will make 10% biofuel mandatory from 2022 onwards. "That is not an innovation. Why is F1 so behind? There is a great opportunity to authentically secure its existence. But that is being ignored," explains the German in the Frankfurter Allgemeine.

"I think it is precisely this pioneering role that can ensure the survival of our sport. We have the most efficient internal combustion engine in the world but it is of no use to the world, because the way we use it will never find its way into series production."

High development costs

The four-time world champion does not think that finance plays a role in this, for example because of high development costs. "F1 has always cost a lot of money. And competition and ambition have always opened up enough wallets so far."

He sees rather political motives, that nobody wants to give up his advantage. "That seems to be the case. The seriousness of the situation is not understood. I find that frustrating. We know better, yet we don't do it. This is how we seal our disappearance into irrelevance."