Something was brewing behind the scenes during Sebastian Vettel’s final year at Aston Martin. Here are the key moments that led to some irritation among the top brass:
- Sebastian Vettel’s outspoken views on social and environmental issues started to rub senior management the wrong way.
- Vettel’s notable activities included creating a bee hotel, cleaning grandstands, and supporting LGBTQ rights with his attire.
- Despite pleasing fans and journalists, Vettel’s comments on huma rights and the climate crisis did not sit well with Aston Martin’s top executives.
- Vettel’s sudden retirement announcement at the Hungarian Grand Prix added to the drama, surprising even his closest colleagues.
- A candid remark about skipping the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix hinted at Vettel’s growing discontent with certain venues.
Sebastian Vettel, known for his bold stance on important issues, didn’t shy away from using his platform as an F1 World Champion to speak up. This approach, while winning him fans, started causing friction with Aston Martin’s senior management.
In 2021, Vettel’s actions, like creating a bee hotel at the Styrian Grand Prix and helping clean up Silverstone grandstands, showcased his commitment to environmental causes. He also took a stand for LGBTQ rights, wearing rainbow-colored sneakers and a #SameLove T-shirt at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Matt Bishop, Aston Martin’s former communications chief, recalled how Vettel’s vocal support for human rights, equality, and the climate crisis increased over time. This growing intensity began to irk the top brass, despite gaining approval from the media and fans.
Vettel was unapologetic about his stance. ‘I don’t care,’ he said of the senior management’s disapproval. ‘I must do what’s right.’ This firm attitude placed him at odds with the team’s most senior figures.
Bishop shared a touching story of Vettel’s generosity, describing his heartfelt interaction with a depressed young man. Vettel’s gesture, a handwritten, four-page letter, highlighted his deep compassion and sensitivity.
The former communications chief also detailed the chaos surrounding Vettel’s unexpected retirement announcement at the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix, which caught the team off guard with only 24 hours’ notice to prepare their media strategy.
A revealing comment Vettel made about missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he said he was genuinely ill but admitted he wouldn’t mind avoiding the race, seemed to foreshadow his decision to retire. Given that Aramco, a major Saudi sponsor, backed Aston Martin, it was clear missing future races there would be nearly impossible without a solid excuse.
Sebastian Vettel’s final year at Aston Martin was a whirlwind of outspoken activism and unexpected decisions that left a lasting impact.
Source: Planetf1
