Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel has announced his return to racing, with the German having become a co-investor of the German SailGP team.
Whilst it’s not quite F1, the sailing series is seen as the water-equivalent, with the German outfit set to take on the likes of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia in the fourth season of the championship.
SailGP sees teams compete around the world using wind-powered F50 catamaran boats, with the series set to get underway on June 16 in Chicago, United States.
Vettel has partnered up with team owner Thomas Reidel, gold medal-winning Olympian Kahena Kunze, and double Olympic sailing bronze medallist Erik Heil to make the German team possible.
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The ex-F1 driver is very excited to be involved in the series and sees a “lot of potential” in it, especially given how sustainable the sport is.
“I see a lot of potential as SailGP starts its fourth season and for the first time with a German team,” Vettel told Express Sport.
“Parallels between sailors and Formula 1 have long existed. The boats are fascinating and the speeds on the water are incredibly high.
“The races are exciting and I am happy to be close to them with a motivated group of young sailors. In addition, the series not only uses wind power, but also strives to set new standards in sustainability in sports.”
Team owner Reidel is also very much looking forward to the German team getting going, with him believing that a “great movement” can come from the championship.
He also explained why he asked Vettel to get onboard with the project, with the 53-time race winner being a “sustainability expert”.
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“I see strong potential in all directions with the Germany SailGP Team: athletically, as a business and medially,” said Reidel.
“We believe that a great movement can emerge from this.
“In addition, we can credibly address our concerns about sustainability and diversity and this is one of the reasons that I approached Sebastian to join as a trusted partner and knowledgeable technology and sustainability expert. Sebastian also knows how to win.”