Friday, October 8, 2021

“Every life counts”
Vettel asks for a general speed limit

Sebastian Vettel likes to drive fast professionally, as a Formula 1 driver he even has to drive as fast as possible. Off the slopes, however, the four-time world champion is in favor of strict restrictions. Vettel calls for a change of course.

Climate change, sustainability, these are the terms that also drive Sebastian Vettel. The Formula 1 star has been campaigning for a change in environmental policy for some time. True to the motto: Weather comes first. This also applies to German motorways. Because of the speed limit. For Vettel, it is not an achievement of liberal rights, but a necessity for a climate change.

“Every life counts. I do not feel restricted in my freedom when I come to Turkey, the United States or Great Britain,” said the Aston Martin driver with a view to a general speed limit on motorways. “I like to drive fast, otherwise I would have chosen another job. But if you want to do that, you should do it on a race track.”

Sustainability should also be Formula 1’s new creed when it comes to Vettel. For people and nature. “The objective must be to make our season sustainable, not only for the environment, but also for the squad,” demanded the four-time world champion. “You see that it is a huge challenge. The season is intense. But it must be so that people also have a normal life and can be there for their families. You have to be very careful.”

“There are many things we have to do better”

For the current season, the record number of 22 world championship races is planned, for next year, the Formula 1 leadership aims for 23 events on four continents between mid-March and mid-November. Sustainability looks different.

In an interview with “Spiegel” at the end of June, Vettel had declared that he himself would vote for the Greens. Nothing has changed in his attitude, explained Vettel, who lives in Switzerland but can still vote in his home country. “We know that there are many things that we can and must do better,” he said.

Before the federal elections in September, the racing driver asked the Germans to vote: “This Sunday’s election is particularly decisive for the path” we will take in the future, “emphasized the Hessian native and referred to the upcoming generations “. I think we need a change, “said Vettel. He does not see his job as a contradiction to his commitment, because everyone can make a contribution to protecting the climate. Even if his job involves traveling a lot and driving race cars.