Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel says the global climate crisis has made him question whether he should continue to race in Formula 1.
Appeared on BBC Question time – A topical debate panel program similar to Australia Q + A – The Aston Martin driver admits that his mind is often exercised by the contribution of Formula 1 to climate change.
A powerful advocate for environmental initiatives within Paddock, Vettel has become increasingly outspoken on social and environmental issues in his 15-year career.
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At last week’s Miami Grand Prix launch party, the 34-year-old encouraged global warming for a bold T-shirt for his T-shirt.
“Miami 2060. 1st Grand Prix underwater. Work now or swim later,” it reads.
The shirt also features an image of a submerged driver’s helmet protruding from a snorkel, drawing attention to Miami’s vulnerability to rising sea levels.
Because of his strong sense of environmental issues, Vettel was often asked if being a Formula 1 driver was consistent with his activism, where he acknowledged that there was an obvious internal conflict.
“It does [make me a hypocrite]He said, laughing Question time Audience.
“You’re right when you’re smiling because these are the questions I ask myself every day.
“I am not a saint. I am very concerned when it comes to the future, when it comes to energy, energy dependence and where we will go in the future.
“Some things are under my control and some things are not.
“Driving is my passion. Every time I set foot in a car, I like it.
“When I get out of the car, I must be thinking, ‘Is this something you should do – travel the world, waste resources?'”
Vettel, who took public transport with the general public on Thursday, said he took active steps to reduce his personal carbon footprint whenever he could.
“I ask myself there are so many questions like this,” he said.
“There’s something I do because I feel like I can do them better. Do I take a plane every time? No, not when I can get a car.”
In the end, however, governments need to make the biggest decisions.
“On energy, we need to stop being dependent [on fossil fuels]And we can, because there are solutions.
“You know, in Britain, you have this kind of gold mine you’re sitting on, which is wind, and you have the power to increase your energy supply with wind energy, solar energy.
“Every country has its strengths and weaknesses.”
In 2019, Formula 1 has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2030, including all events and team operations.
When it launched its sustainability plan, the circuit estimated its CO2 emissions at 256,551 tons. About three-quarters of that comes from worldwide transportation and supplies.
Cars contribute only 0.7 percent to total emissions through their hybrid power units, achieving more than 50 percent thermal efficiency, which is more than about 30 percent efficiency for standard consumer motors.
This year Sport has introduced E10 fuel to further reduce car emissions and plans to make it fully synthetic, carbon-neutral fuel mandatory in 2026. This will double the amount of energy produced by its electric motor.
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