Sebastian Vettel refuses to be silenced by critics after being accused of hypocrisy

Vettel, Aston Martin, Austria — Photo: © LAT Images

Sebastian Vettel

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Vettel refuses to be silenced by critics after being accused of hypocrisy

Aston Martin driver has spoken out on his decision to go green

Ian Parkes

Thursday 1 July 2021 19:15

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Sebastian Vettel is adamant he will not be silenced by his critics after being accused of hypocrisy over his decision to become an eco-activist.

In a recent interview with Germany's Der Spiegel magazine, Vettel has revealed his decision to go green which has included him installing a photovoltaic system at his home and driving two electric cars.

It has led to criticism, in particular, given Vettel continues to compete in a sport in F1 which would appear at odds with his new-found belief despite its own pursuit of a greener, carbon-neutral future.

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Defending his position, Vettel said: "Without diving into the point of the interview but just trying to briefly explain, the topic I was talking about is not something that will be in fashion and then go out of fashion.

"It's something that addresses all of us, and it's also a topic no sport, no business, no activity, no programme will be able to duck.

"It's something we are all facing, it's more and more in our future and is something our sport is facing.

"What I want to say is that it addresses all of us and we all should be aware of it, and I will not be shy of raising, or trying to use my voice to raise awareness for something that is important to all of us.

"There will always be people who have a different opinion, and opinions are very, very important, so I'm happy to learn from people who have a different opinion or critics.

"But in the bigger picture, there's a chance for our sport to do better in future, to be more relevant, to have a better place in the world, and it's something we can all work on together."

Vettel becomes 'bee-keeper'

Ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, and as part of his green pursuits, Vettel has revealed to joining a group of local children in embarking a new initiative close to the Red Bull Ring.

"We installed a racing car but it is a very unconventional racing car as it is basically a hotel for insects and bees, and I had a group of kids with me to build up the car," said Vettel

"The idea behind it is just to build up a space for insects, and especially bees, to flourish and live.

"It's in the middle of a field and we planted a lot of seeds so hopefully there will be lots of flowers growing in the future and there will be a lot of bees going to their new home. It was good fun."