If you had asked Sebastian Vettel in 2018 about electric cars, he would have sent you packing with a passionate lecture about flawed technology, sky-high prices, and batteries with more issues than a Formula 1 pit radio. Fast-forward seven years, and the four-time world champion is singing a markedly different tune—as long as it doesn’t cost you an arm, a leg, and maybe a few racing helmets.
A Shift From Skepticism to Acceptance
During the IAA in Munich, Vettel spoke candidly about the car industry’s future and, more intriguingly, about his own transformation from fierce opponent to cautious supporter of electric mobility. Back in 2018, speaking with Auto Motor und Sport, Vettel was crystal clear: « I don’t think electric cars will solve all the problems. It’s the wrong technology. » He saw EVs as overpriced, not as clean as advertised, and flagged significant challenges around battery recycling.
But, as the saying goes, time (and maybe a few charging stations) changes everything. Seven years later, in an interview with German broadcaster n-tv, Vettel’s stance had dramatically evolved: « Change can’t be stopped anymore. What holds people back is the price. As soon as that falls, the choice will be obvious. The electric car is no longer just an alternative, it’s the future. »
The Convenience—and Caveats—of Electric Cars
Vettel is quick to praise how far electric car technology has come. He lauds EVs for being « quieter, more comfortable, and a more relaxed way of getting from A to B. » In his view, electric cars represent a pivotal step towards making transportation more sustainable. Yet, the road ahead is still paved with challenges.
- Affordability: Price remains the elephant in the showroom. Most people, Vettel points out, are held back by how expensive these vehicles still are.
- Infrastructure: The necessary support systems for mass adoption, like charging stations and repair networks, still lag behind the roaring pace of change.
He believes these hurdles mean the transition to all-electric roads will require time—don’t expect a sudden, silent revolution overnight.
Efficiency and a Dash of Scepticism
With the experience of collaborating closely alongside top engineering minds in motorsport, Vettel brings a technical and practical perspective. He points out an inescapable truth: « It ultimately comes down to efficiency. The electric car is much more efficient—the internal combustion engine just can’t keep up. » In Vettel’s world, numbers matter—and electric wins this particular grand prix.
But not all alternative fuels win his favour. Vettel is downright sceptical about synthetic fuels, stating, « They’re very expensive and inefficient to produce. We already need enormous amounts of energy, so using that to make artificial petrol doesn’t make sense. » For Vettel, just because something is technically possible doesn’t mean it’s practical or sustainable for broad adoption.
Still, he draws a clear line between what’s needed for the general public and what makes sense for professional motorsport. « In Formula 1, the demands are too high for batteries: race length, power, and weight. For now, synthetic fuels make more sense there. » The roar of engines may continue on race tracks for the foreseeable future, even as city streets go quiet.
One Message: Make It Affordable, Make It Circular
Perhaps the most striking transformation isn’t Vettel’s support for electric cars but his call to make them sustainably competitive. He urges the industry to prioritize not just green technology, but a full embrace of the circular economy—emphasizing recycling and the reuse of materials. Sustainability, Vettel argues, should never be a luxury or just a buzzword.
His message is straightforward yet vital: electric driving is gaining ground—how quickly the masses follow will come down to price. If costs come down and industry leaders get serious about responsible production, the future Vettel once doubted might just arrive sooner than he—or we—could have ever predicted.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
