In the most recent years of his Formula 1 career, Sebastian Vettel has begun to turn his attention to life away from the race track.
The Aston Martin F1 Team driver has become an environmental activist, and like Sir Lewis Hamilton has used his profile to voice his concerns over important matters.
Most of Vettel’s raised concerns have surrounded climate change and fossil fuel usage, both of which he has demonstrated support for in need of urgent action.
Incredibly, the German driver recently appeared on BBC political show ‘Question Time’, where he debated the energy crisis.
The four-time World Champion was well-spoken and brutally honest, insisting that he questions whether he should be racing due to the damage it causes the environment.
“When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking as well ‘is this something we should do, travel the world, wasting resources?” Vettel admitted.
The 34-year-old went on to label himself as “not a saint”, after agreeing with the audience that he was a hypocrite for debating the energy crisis whilst playing a part in why it’s so bad.
“It does, because there are questions I ask myself every day and I’m not a saint,” said an honest Vettel.
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Whilst Vettel’s appearance on the show went down brilliantly with most, some have called out the German over his appearance.
One person in particular is former driver Walter Rohrl, who believes the German should retire from the sport.
“I once wondered what happened to him,” Rohrl said.
“But if after 15 years in motorsport I come to my senses and now think I’m an environmental sinner, then I have to stop – that’s enough!
“He can’t whine that he wants to do something for the environment and fly around the world in Formula 1 at the same time. You have to consistently live your life according to that,” said Rohrl.
Vettel on his day is still one of the fastest drivers on the grid, however, Rohrl is concerned that his speed on track may be affected if his focus remains off of it.
The 75-year-old who is a two-time World Rally Champion, admitted that he “likes” Vettel, and hopes he’ll leave the sport “intact and healthy”.
“I like him and from my point of view, I hope he doesn’t abseil off motorways as Greenpeace keep doing to paralyse public transport,” added Rohrl.