Speaking on the BBC’s Question Time, a TV show mixing politicians and celebrities, the German was asked if his stance on the environment made him a hypocrite given he was part of a energy-intensive sport.
“It’s true, it’s true, and you’re right when you laugh,” the 34-year-old father of three replied. “There are questions I ask myself every day and I am not a saint.
“Some things are in my control and some things are not. Driving a car is my passion, I love it and every time I get in the car I love it.
“When I get out of the car, of course, I also think ‘Is this something we should be doing, traveling the world, wasting resources?'”
The Aston Martin driver wore a T-shirt before the Miami Grand Prix last weekend with the slogan “Miami 2060 – first grand prix underwater – Act now or swim later” to highlight the effects of climate change.
He has also been outspoken on the environment and renewable energy, as well as human rights and LGBTQ+ issues.
Vettel said Formula 1, which makes a big push for sustainability, has also played an important social role as entertainment.
“There are things I do because I feel like I can do them better. Do I have to fly every time? No, not when I can take the car,” added the pilot, who is in end of contract with his team at the end of the year.
Formula 1 aims to achieve a zero carbon footprint by 2030, with 100% sustainable fuels from 2026, when a new engine is introduced.
Vettel also gave his thoughts on Brexit, the war in Ukraine, Finland’s NATO membership, energy dependency and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s involvement in a ‘partygate’ scandal over restriction breaches. related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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