Former Formula One star Sebastian Vettel has embraced a strikingly different lifestyle following his retirement from the sport. Once a dominant figure on the racetrack, Vettel enjoyed a glittering career, including an unprecedented streak of four consecutive world championships with Red Bull in the early 2010s. However, a prolonged title drought and subsequent career shifts eventually led him to leave F1. Now, he has announced an unexpected new venture: agriculture.
Vettel revealed that he has begun an apprenticeship in farming, signaling a deliberate pivot toward a more grounded and environmentally focused career. When asked by RTL about his plans, he explained, “Not quite. It is basically a condensed form of it. After that, I can run my own business.” Expressing his passion for sustainable agriculture, he added, “This area fascinates me. I find it extremely exciting when it comes to the future of agriculture.”
While this move has intrigued many, Vettel’s fans may be disappointed to hear that he has ruled out a return to Formula One. Addressing the possibility of a comeback, he clarified, “I’m not returning to F1. But Le Mans could be an option,” hinting that endurance racing might appeal to him in the future.
Vettel’s transition to farming aligns with his long-standing commitment to environmental advocacy. During his F1 career, he frequently used his platform to highlight ecological concerns. At the 2022 Miami Grand Prix, for example, Vettel wore a shirt reading: “Miami 2060 – 1st Grand Prix under water – act now or swim later.” Similarly, at Suzuka in Japan, he led an initiative to install insect hotels, inviting each F1 team to personalize their contribution.
Vettel’s storied career saw him shift from Red Bull to Ferrari in 2015 after rule changes and Mercedes’ dominance disrupted Red Bull’s success. Despite strong efforts, he never recaptured his championship-winning form, twice finishing as a runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in 2017 and 2018. After stints with Ferrari and Aston Martin, he left F1 in 2022. Now, his turn to farming and sustainability underscores his desire to leave a meaningful legacy beyond motorsport.
