Vettel: “I Regret Not Using My Voice Sooner”

Sebastian Vettel reflects on his past silence and the power athletes hold to inspire change far beyond the racetrack.

In the final years of his Formula 1 career, Sebastian Vettel evolved into more than just a racing legend. He became a voice for change — championing environmental causes, defending LGBTQ+ rights, and standing up for social justice around the world.

But Vettel now says he wishes he had started sooner.

“When I was a rookie, all I focused on was racing. That’s all I cared about,” Vettel told the BBC. “Looking back, that’s what I regret — not using my voice earlier, not realizing the reach and influence we have as athletes to inspire people.”

During his time with Aston Martin, Vettel became increasingly vocal. He stood in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities in Hungary, where they face discrimination under government policies. He also called out global political inaction on climate change. But one of his most powerful initiatives came in Saudi Arabia.

In 2021, when Formula 1 raced in the kingdom, Vettel organized a women-only karting event — “Race for Women” — in a country where women had only recently been granted the right to drive.

“I wanted to do something meaningful. We brought young girls and women to the track, gave them their first taste of racing, and showed them what’s possible,” he explained. “It was a fun day, but more than that, it planted a seed.”

Vettel knows change doesn’t happen overnight. “It’s hard to measure the impact right away. But I’m certain we gave those girls something powerful — courage. The courage to speak up and be part of something bigger in a country that’s slowly evolving.”

He’s determined to keep pushing for women’s presence in motorsport — not just in Saudi Arabia, but globally. “When I raced karts in Europe, I competed against a few girls, but it was rare. The more girls we see in motorsport, the fewer stereotypes there will be about what women can or can’t do.”

Vettel sees this as a long-term mission: “Progress is happening, even if it’s slow. And my role now is to help keep that momentum going — to inspire not just young women, but anyone, anywhere, who’s watching. That’s the power of the platform I’ve been given.”

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Vettel’s Late Awakening: From Driver to Activist
Vettel’s Late Awakening: From Driver to Activist