Sebastian Vettel critical of F1 as environmental protest threat looms over Dutch GP

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

Dutch Grand Prix

Vettel critical of F1 as environmental protest threat looms over Dutch GP

Extinction Rebellion has planned a protest for this weekend

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Thursday 2 September 2021 17:00

Sebastian Vettel has warned F1 is not doing enough to tackle environmental concerns as the threat of an Extinction Rebellion protest looms large over this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

F1's return to Zandvoort after an absence of 36 years faced opposition at the 11th hour by a group known as Coöperatie Mobilisation for the Environment [MOB] who had voiced opposition to the race taking place

A Dutch district court this week sided with the organisers, although a report is still pending following an investigation into the matter.

Extinction Rebellion, however, is planning a more public protest at some stage this weekend.

Aston Martin driver Vettel, who has regularly called for an improvement to F1's environmental strategy, was asked what he would say in F1's defence should he be given the chance to meet with Extinction Rebellion.

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"I have heard about it [the protest]," he replied: "I think in general, we are living in a time where it is important to raise attention and that is what they are doing so I think that is good.

"If you ask me what I would respond with what F1 is doing, I think there are a lot of things F1 is planning to improve, some small things F1 is taking action on, which is good but is it enough? No, it is not enough.

"Is it enough, what we are doing as a society? Obviously, it is a little different in different countries and some countries are further along than others.

"Some people are further along in their heads addressing this topic than others, but as a whole, as humanity, are we doing enough? Probably not.

"I think it is vital that we understand what is at stake and if we don't get it, there is no future. It sounds very dark but, equally, on the bright side, there are a lot of things we can do.

"There is a place for F1 provided it is addressing the right things and making the right moves. As I said, there can always be more that is done. The small things that are taken action on are good."

Calendar should be "structured in a way that makes sense"

Amongst the changes Vettel would make to the sport in order to hit environmental goals, the calendar is high on the list of the four-time F1 champion.

"Our calendar, I think, could be structured in a way that makes sense so that we are not travelling back and forth for nothing," he explained.

"We have races in a similar area - it might not suit promoters to have a race at a time of year where they are not happiest but it can obviously contribute a large amount of the emissions we are causing."