Vettel Reflects on F1 Regrets
Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula One world champion, has expressed that his primary regret from his illustrious racing career is not advocating for social and climate issues earlier. The German driver, celebrated for his stints with prominent teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari, shifted his focus towards advocacy late in his career.
Career Achievements
Vettel achieved remarkable success in Formula One, securing four world titles between 2010 and 2013, and winning a total of 53 races over his extensive career. After making his debut in the sport and accumulating 300 Grand Prix entries, he retired in 2022.
Advocacy During Racing
In the final years of his racing career, Vettel began addressing critical issues, such as climate change and equality in sports. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged that he was primarily focused on racing during his earlier days, missing the opportunity to use his platform to inspire change. "It’s probably one of the things, maybe the only thing that I would say I regret: not speaking out earlier in my career," he stated.
Promoting Female Participation
Vettel also initiated programs like the "Race for Women" event in Saudi Arabia, aiming to encourage young girls and women to engage in motorsport. This initiative brought female participants to the racetrack, giving them a chance to experience kart racing and inspire them for potential careers in motorsport. He emphasized the importance of representation and the need to break stereotypes surrounding women in racing.
Preparations for Future Engagements
Although he has distanced himself from competitive racing post-retirement, Vettel remains engaged in promoting awareness on various social issues. He aims to continue his advocacy efforts and contribute to enhancing diversity and representation in the sport.
