
Vettel levelled with "greenwashing" accusation in F1-Formula E rift
Vettel levelled with "greenwashing" accusation in F1-Formula E rift

Former F1 driver and 2016-17 Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi has accused Sebastian Vettel of "greenwashing" after the German criticised the all-electric championship.
The Aston Martin driver has taken a stand on environmental and societal issues in recent years, organising fan litter picks, engaging with communities at various races to create green projects and wearing slogan-emblazoned t-shirts to events.
Vettel will retire from the sport at the end of the season but given his environmentalism, he was asked by German media outlet Zeit whether he would take an interest in an ambassadorial role for Formula E.
"I don't want to be a mascot and I don't want to put my face forward for something that doesn't fully convince me," he replied.
"I don't understand the meaning behind [Formula E]. The battery technology that is being developed has nothing to do with the technology that a normal car could use.
"It is not good for the environment if the batteries are charged not with renewable energy but with fossil fuels."
Di Grassi bites back
Di Grassi, who spent time in F1 with Virgin, has been involved in pushing greener racing and is a United Nations ambassador, has taken aim at Vettel for his comments.
The Brazilian has questioned Vettel's thoughts on road relevance and took aim at the work the four-time champion has done to tackle environmental issues.
"If Vettel doesn’t want to come to Formula E, it is his choice," di Grassi said on Twitter.
"Although it is the second highest paid single-seater series in the world, [it is] still far away from a top F1 salary.
"Now to say that the technology of the cars are less relevant to the future of automobiles, he either has no idea of what he is talking about or is trying to mislead the general public on purpose.
"And/or all that green stuff he has been doing lately - collecting trash, riding bicycles etc - is completely greenwashing, not what he truly believes.
"So, whatever he likes the series or not, he should be supportive of it. That’s all."
So, whatever he likes or not the series, he should be supportive of it. That’s all.
— Lucas Di Grassi (@LucasdiGrassi) September 1, 2022
Related news

Vettel warns motorsport must evolve or face extinction

Alonso: Only Hamilton has Vettel's phone number

Vettel not ruling out scratching rally "itch" after F1 retirement

Vettel concedes fiery incident was "key moment" in Hamilton friendship
Most read

Alonso: Only Hamilton has Vettel's phone number

Hamilton fired 'Oscars' warning as Red Bull Ford rumours intensify - GPFans F1 Recap

F1 LIVE - Former Red Bull F1 driver makes WEC switch

Bottas slates 'controlling' FIA over latest crackdown

Hamilton urged to curb ‘Oscar speech’ antics
F1 Standings

Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Pirelli Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
Grand Prix of Spain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Grand Prix of Brazil 2023
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860