Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel has reiterated that there are bigger things in life than Formula 1 in a retort to some bizarre comments by FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem.
Vettel and Mercedes driver Sir Lewis Hamilton have become renowned for their campaigns for social justice, equality and environmental awareness, while McLaren’s Lando Norris raises awareness for mental health.
The German has long been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, and he wore a rainbow shirt and mask ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix last season in protest of their anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Ben Sulayem appeared to openly criticise the world champions’ push to make the world a better place, suggesting that they should stick to driving.
“Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving. Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health,” he said.
“Everybody has the right to think. To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in something over the sport all the time.
“I am from an Arabian culture. I am international and Muslim. I do not impose my beliefs on other people. No way! Never.”
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Vettel, who recently appeared on the cover of famous LGBTQ+ publication ‘Attitude,’ has affirmed his stance that F1 drivers should be using their position to aid positive causes, such as diversity inclusion, mental health and environmental awareness.
“These issues are more important than us – more important than sport,” he said.
“We should continue to draw attention to them and show the people that there are many things that we can do better.”
Aiming a subtle dig at ben Sulayem, the four-time champion added that some people are quite backwards in their opinions.
“I think there are people who are a bit behind in terms of their attitude,” stated Vettel.
“It is therefore good to continue to draw attention to this. I don’t have to endure things that aren’t right, and I won’t.”