‘It fascinates me’ – Ex-Formula 1 world champion confirms shock career change
A former Formula One icon has taken an unexpected career change turn since stepping away from the sport.
Once a dominant force on the track, the driver’s career ultimately waned after a prolonged title drought, leading to his decision to retire.
Now, Sebastian Vettel is embarking on a surprising new journey: studying agriculture through an apprenticeship.
When asked in an interview with RTL if he plans to transition into farming full-time, he clarified: “Not quite. It is basically a condensed form of it. After that, I can run my own business.
“This area fascinates me. I find it extremely exciting when it comes to the future of agriculture.
While fans might find his venture into farming intriguing, they could be disappointed by his comments firmly ruling out a Formula One comeback.
However, he hinted at a potential foray into endurance racing, saying, “I’m not returning to F1. But Le Mans could be an option.”
Vettel was a powerhouse in the early 2010s, claiming four consecutive world championships with Red Bull during their era of dominance.
However, the introduction of significant rule changes in 2014 and Mercedes’ rise to supremacy, fuelled by Lewis Hamilton’s signing, saw Vettel’s Red Bull success taper off.
In 2015, Vettel made the high-profile switch to Ferrari, where he became Hamilton’s closest challenger, finishing runner-up in 2017 and 2018.
Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn’t replicate his previous glory with the Scuderia.
After six seasons, he parted ways with Ferrari in 2021, spending two final seasons with Aston Martin before retiring.
Vettel’s shift to farming aligns with his long-standing passion for environmental issues, a cause he championed throughout his career.
At the inaugural Miami Grand Prix in 2022, he wore a shirt reading, “Miami 2060 – 1st Grand Prix underwater – act now or swim later.”
He also made a mark in Japan by installing insect hotels near Suzuka’s Turn 2, encouraging teams to create their own designs.