Sebastian Vettel has spoken out on the much-discussed 2026 Formula 1 regulations after driving Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Ferrari at Monza
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel is convinced that Formula 1 has the technological capabilities to combine its sustainability goals with an exciting product on the racetrack.
As a racing driver with a deep-rooted passion for the history of the series, Vettel was not exactly among the biggest advocates of turbo-hybrid engines when they were introduced to Formula 1 in 2014. He criticised both their muted sound and the impact their complexity had on the racing action. Following a fault with the hybrid system on his Ferrari at the 2019 Russian Grand Prix, Vettel famously demanded over the radio: “Bring back the bloody V12s!”
As a prominent advocate for environmental protection, Vettel’s convictions and his love of old-school motorsport seemed, for a long time, to be difficult to reconcile. Yet although he “doesn’t agree with everything” set out in the current regulations, the German also believes that the latest technological advances open up new possibilities for combining sustainability and excitement in the future.
Vettel: “What actually is the best car?”
“I find that exciting,” said Vettel at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he drove his close friend Michael Schumacher’s 2002 Formula 1 Ferrari – powered by a screeching, thoroughbred V10 engine.
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Watch Seb complete a full lap of Monza in Michael Schumacher’s legendary F2002 car #F1 #ItalianGP @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/n1TWBhgYdM
— Formula 1 (@F1) 6 September 2026
“When you look at Formula 1, there’s so much more to take into account. Of course, from a driver’s perspective, I want to drive the best car and win races. But what actually is the best car? The 2002 car was state of the art at the time and embodies so much of what Formula 1 stands for.”
“Today’s cars do the same thing. And I believe it’s about performance, precision, discipline and hard work, but also about responsibility and thinking about the future – and that’s exactly what these cars are trying to achieve. From a driver’s perspective, I probably don’t agree with everything we currently have in the regulations. But when I look ahead, I see precisely this as a huge opportunity to get people on board.”
“One thing doesn’t have to rule out the other. I believe that, in everything we do, we must find ways that enable us to combine the things we love.”
Vettel is regarded as a fan of internal combustion engines running on e-fuels
Vettel has long been an advocate for the use of synthetic fuels and e-fuels. Although Formula 1’s switch to advanced sustainable fuels this season came too late to coincide with his own active Formula 1 career, However, the four-time world champion is enthusiastic about the possibilities this move opens up for future regulations. These are expected to include the return of larger and louder V8 engines by 2030 or 2031.
“I believe sustainable fuels are the right step forward,” says the 39-year-old. “There’s enormous potential here – not just for Formula 1, but also to inspire other racing series. When designing the next generation of cars, there’s great potential to do so in a responsible manner. Because some things that may be incredible from a technological point of view might not be transferable to road vehicles. I believe there’s also a responsibility to do just that.”
“I’m looking forward to what the future holds. Because I believe Formula 1 embodies so many wonderful values that have shaped me and inspired me throughout my life, and it touches the lives of so many people around the world. It has the power to do the same for many other issues that are important and can make a difference.”
Vettel ended his active racing career after the 2022 Formula 1 season, but continues to compete regularly in the Race of Champions show event. He has already confirmed his participation in the RoC event in New Zealand in January.
