Formula E’s Lucas Di Grassi claps back at Sebastian Vettel’s supposedly sustainable travel approach

Sebastian Vettel announced his departure from the sport during the 2022 season.

Formula E’s Lucas Di Grassi claps back at Sebastian Vettel’s supposedly sustainable travel approach

Sebastian Vettel (Image credit: GPfans) and Lucas Di Grassi (Image credit: LinkedIn

The enormity of climate change and our ecological footprint can overwhelm some. Yet, Sebastian Vettel‘s eco-friendly endeavors, like the Silverstone recycling drive and Austrian bee hotel, took center stage on social media. Notably, these represent just glimpses of the multiple sustainability initiatives by the four-time world champion. These, however, were not the only initiatives taken up by the German driver.

In a recent revelation, Sebastian Vettel emphasized a noteworthy decrease in his carbon footprint by significantly reducing air travel. Except for the Silverstone and Budapest races, he deliberately decided to drive to all European races in the previous season independently.

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“Most of the reduction was the elimination of flights. With the exception of Silverstone and Budapest, I drove to all of the European races last season.” Sebastian Vettel told The Red Bulletin.

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In recent times, Formula 1 has acknowledged the imperative to enhance its environmental practices. A renewed emphasis on sustainability is evident, ranging from curbing the usage of single-use plastic within the paddock. Even to expand access to eco-friendly transportation options for fans traveling to and from the track.

Also read: Sebastian Vettel reveals his biggest regret post F1 retirement

Lucas Di Grassi points out similar emissions of V8 cars and planes in a Tweet directed to Sebastian Vettel

Formula One cars (Image credit: F1)

Formula 1’s emission footprint arises from logistics, travel, facilities, factories, and event operations. The prime culprit, constituting 45% of emissions, is the transportation of cars and equipment between venues. In 2019, Formula 1 set its ambitious goal: achieving 100% sustainability and a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030. This entails counterbalancing emissions with equivalent greenhouse gas removal, fostering environmental equilibrium.

Surprisingly, the 20 cars’ fuel usage isn’t the leading environmental factor; it contributes only 0.7% of F1’s average annual CO2 emissions, totaling 256,000 tons. Over on Twitter, Formula E driver Luca Di Grassi expressed his opinions on Sebastian Vetell’s eco-friendly action.

Lucas Di Grassi tweeted that driving a V8 or similar car would produce emissions comparable to commercial planes per kilometer. He noted that the emissions would be even higher considering the total lifetime assessment if one refrains from driving their car. He mentioned that sustainability is intricate, but he also admired the person’s effort, considering it a positive move.

“Curiosity is that driving a V8 or similar will emit same emissions as commercial planes per km, and much more if you account for total lifetime assessment if you DONT drive your car. Sustainability is complex. Still, I admire his effort. Good message,” Di Grassi said via X (formerly Twitter).

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