Vettel 'echoes' drivers' criticism: 'Critical not to lose the sport's DNA'

Speaking to the Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Vettel shared his thoughts on the current F1 cars. The German supported fellow drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

The four-time world champion explained: "From a sporting side I hear and I echo some of the criticism because the cars are probably fun to drive, but it's not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that."

According to the German, it is important to make the drivers happy, because that benefits the competition itself.

He continued: "So I sympathize with the drivers. And [it's] very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of the sport, which is finding the fastest driver, and the fastest machine to win the race.

The German continues to support causes close to his heart after his retirement from F1. He was in Stockholm, Sweden, to collect the Perfect World Foundation Award for his efforts to raise awareness of environmental and biodiversity challenges.

Vettel also ran the London Marathon together with Tom Clarkson. They ran in support of two charitable causes. One is the Grand Prix Trust, which provides assistance to Formula 1 personnel both at the track and within teams during times of need. The other is the Brain & Spine Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by neurological conditions through support services, research and advocacy.