The war in Ukraine is currently shaking the whole world – including Formula 1. On Wednesday evening before the first tests in Bahrain, all drivers who were already there took a group photo with a poster. The slogan: “No war.” A clear message, which Sebastian Vettel also followed: “Of course I would have wished that I hadn’t had to make such a design because there was no reason for it. But it’s a sign to show support. We all came together as drivers on Wednesday. We thought we’d take the opportunity to show that we are united and stand up for the people of Ukraine.”
During his tests, Vettel wore a Ukraine-style helmet. “It’s terrible what’s happening. It’s like a nightmare we can’t wake up from. That’s why my helmet design is relatively simple, but the message is clear.”
At the end of February, Sebastian Vettel campaigned for the people of Ukraine. During the test drives in Barcelona, the man from Heppenheim announced that he would boycott the race in Russia – that was at the time when the Grand Prix had not yet been canceled. On the bottom of his headgear in Bahrain, Vettel depicted flags from around the world. However, this also caused criticism, especially since Vettel also depicted the flag of Northern Cyprus, since only Turkey recognizes Northern Cyprus as an independent state. The Aston Martin driver then responded and removed the flag.
“The message is that the whole world should, and is, standing together for peace. It’s about fighting the war. We all grew up in peacetime and we value peace very much. That’s why it’s such a big shock to see and hear these pictures and news,” said Vettel. Vettel has already commented on other topics such as environmental protection or equality in the past.
