The climate crisis makes me doubt the F1 races

Four-time Formula One world champion Vettel appears on British television Question time on Thursday night to discuss a number of pressing political and global issues, with a strong focus on the energy crisis.

In recent years, Vettel has become an important voice in motorsport in the climate issues facing the world, as well as other important social and political issues such as LGBTQ + rights and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

During the show, Vettel stressed the importance of ensuring that countries do not depend on a single energy supply, citing Germany’s dependence on Russian energy and the situation in which it leaves its home country after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

When the host of the show showed Vettel that he rides in the “gas” sport, viewers greeted it with laughter.

Asked if Formula One racing was hypocritical when it came to stressing the need to save energy, Vettel said: “Yes, and you are right to laugh because there are questions I ask myself every day. .

“I am not a saint. I am very concerned when it comes to the future, so these topics are when it comes to energy, energy dependence and where we are going in the future. ”

Vettel added that “I ask myself” whether he should participate in Formula 1 races and “travel the world.”

“There are certain things that are under my control and some are not,” Vettel said. “My hobby is driving a car and I love it. And every time I get in the car, I like it.

“Sure, when I get out of the car, I also think, should I do it? Travel the world without wasting resources? ”

But Vettel also stressed the importance of Formula 1 as a source of entertainment, believing that people are “probably going crazy” without something to enjoy.

“I ask myself a lot of questions,” Vettel said. “I do a lot of things because I feel I can do them better.

“Do I have to get on a plane every time? No, not when I can take the car. There are certain things under my control and some things out of my control. ”

Conservative MP and Attorney General Suela Breverman, Labor MP Shaban Mahmoud, economist Miata Fanbule and comedian Jeff Norkat joined Vettel in the Question Time panel.

Sebastian Vettel’s helmet, Aston Martin

Photo: JMD Jens Munser Designs

The quintet answered audience questions on a range of topics, including the cost of living crisis, Northern Ireland’s Brexit protocol, Finland’s NATO bid and the Partygate scandal, which engulfed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Vettel stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is a key issue that countries need to address, and said the UK government must fight the consequences of efforts to complete the Brexit agreement.

As for breaking the law by Partygate and Johnson during the blockade, Vettel said: “I think that if you’re in that situation, there are some things you just can’t do.

“After all, it’s the prime minister who passed the law and then breaks the law. I just think when I’m the father of three kids and try to explain to them something that I think is very important for how to behave, and I do exactly the opposite, what do you think they’ll make of it? I am then the most distrustful person in front of them.

“We all make mistakes, we are all human. But there are some things that, in my opinion, are related to the office or this work that you can’t do. ”