Vettel: We must fight for the climate and the environment! But his interests contrast strongly with those of Aston Martin’s main sponsor

Sebastian Vettel is one of the most vocal drivers in Formula 1 when it comes to various social issues. Maybe the most vocal ever. Most recently, the German racer said he wanted to fight for the planet’s climate, but his personal interests contrast strongly with the business he’s actually in…

What is it all about? The four-time world champion, who will defend the colours of Aston Martin from the 2021 season, actively supports LGBT people, tries to fight racism in every possible way, and not least for the climate and a better environment.

Recently F1 announced that it will no longer kneel before the start of the race. However, drivers will still be able to make room in their schedule for a speech of sorts.

Somewhat surprised by the move, however, was Vettel, who claims that the problems that not only Formula 1, but the entire world is struggling with will not disappear in two years. In his statement at the presentation of the new Aston Martin AMR22 monoposto, he said he and the other drivers would be looking for ways to make their voices heard.

Last year, Vettel became an ambassador for BWT, the water treatment company, which incidentally left Aston Martin along with Otmar Szafnauer to join the Alpine team.

Thanks to the collaboration between Aston Martin and BWT, Vettel wore his racing helmet in pink, which also featured the slogan “let’s change the world one step at a time”. Because of this departure and the arrival of a giant sponsor, Vettel’s helmet will no longer be pink, but will instead bear the inscription of the new partner, Aramco.

And not only on the helmet, but also on the overalls, and indeed a large area will belong to Aramco on the new monoposto.

This is a Saudi company, one of the largest and best-known oil producers in the world. Previously, this company has worked with the McLaren team, and there has been frequent speculation over the past year regarding their association with Mercedes.

Aramco is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and through which billions of dollars flow to Saudi Arabia. We probably do not need to mention that this country, in turn, has considerable problems with regard to human rights and the abuse of high office.

In a recent interview with RTL, he said that he is also aware that his work is not very environmentally friendly. However, he said he does not share the joy of the Aramco connection in this respect.

“Aramco and companies like it need to ask themselves what they want our future to look like. Fossil fuels will eventually disappear and hopefully very soon,” Vettel said in an interview with RTL.

“It could be an opportunity, but we have to keep looking for new ways to achieve a better and more sustainable future. But none of this is happening fast enough. Formula 1 offers many opportunities in terms of mobility and a better future. But it is true that several different interests stand in the way,” he explained.

F1, RTL, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team