Sebastian Vettel weighs in on F1 rules: Need to combine sustainability and excitement

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel believes Formula 1 has the technology to pair its sustainability goals with an exciting on-track product. Despite previously criticizing the turbo hybrids introduced in 2014 for their dulled sound and complexity, the 39-year-old environmentalist feels that current technological advances are opening up new opportunities to combine sustainability and excitement.

Speaking at the Italian Grand Prix, where he drove Michael Schumacher's V10-powered 2002 Ferrari F1 car, Vettel emphasized that these elements do not have to be mutually exclusive. The German driver stated that F1 needs to find practical approaches that merge performance, precision, and discipline with responsibility and care for the future.

Vettel has long advocated for the use of synthetic and e-fuels, calling sustainable fuels a major step forward with huge potential to inspire Formula 1 and other racing series. Future F1 regulations are set to involve a return to bigger and louder V8 engines by 2030 or 2031.

Having retired from competition at the end of the 2022 F1 season, Vettel still competes regularly in the Race of Champions exhibition event and has signed up to take part in ROC New Zealand in January.