Sebastian Vettel feels a conflict between his job as a Formula 1 driver and his commitment to environmental protection. “Driving a car is my passion and every time I get in a car I love it,” Vettel said on Thursday evening’s talk show “Question Time” on the British broadcaster BBC.

But then the concerns came, said the Heppenheimer: “When I get out of the car, of course I also think: Is that something we should do – travel around the world and waste resources?”

When asked by the BBC presenter if he was a hypocrite as a driver of Formula 1, “one of the most fuel-wasting sports”, Vettel agreed. “You’re right,” said the 34-year-old: “I’m not a saint. I’m worried about the future. The questions about energy and the dependence on energy concern me. We must stop being dependent on energy. And we can. There are solutions for this.”

With regard to his profession, he asked for understanding. “On the other hand, we also entertain people,” said the Aston Martin driver: “During the corona pandemic, we were one of the first sports to get started again. When everyone’s heads exploded, there were Formula 1 races on TV again.”

At the same time, Vettel asks himself many questions and tries to do his part to protect the environment. “I ask myself: Do I have to take a plane every time,” said Vettel: “Not if I can drive a car. There are things I can control and other things that are out of my control.”

Vettel was also asked about Putin’s war in Ukraine and Germany’s dependence on Russian gas. Germany should have recognized the threat a long time ago, said the world champion from 2010 to 2013: “We shouldn’t be dependent on it. We need to shift into the next gear and get ready for the future. And we must ensure that we live on a planet that will be as pleasant tomorrow as it is today.”