Vettel: I performed more or less well in ROC

Sebastian Vettel ended his career in Formula 1, but did not renounce motorsport and took part in the Race of Champions for the tenth time this year. Although the German team, in which he competed with Mick Schumacher, did not win the Nations Cup and he also only reached the semi-finals in the individual races, Sebastian still enjoys participating in these competitions.

Q: You love the Race of Champions – did you enjoy it again this year?
Sebastian Vettel: Yes, I love these matches, it’s really fun here. Not making progress is of course a bit annoying, but overall the ROC remains an absolutely wonderful event for all participants in the race.

Q: You didn’t perform too badly and reached the semi-finals on both days…
Sebastian Vettel: Yes, I gradually rolled into it. I think I performed more or less normally on the first day, given that I wasn’t behind the wheel of a race car after last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Although I would of course like to achieve better results. However, it is clear that everyone had about the same attitude. But it is also clear that if I had already broken off on the first lap, things would have been even worse.

Q: On Sunday you competed in the semi-final individual races against your old friend, Mick Schumacher, who had competed for the Nations Cup as part of the German team the day before. Apparently you didn’t have fun when you lost to Mick, despite your close friendship?
Sebastian Vettel: Of course we both tried and did our best, but I’m still happy that Mick made it through to the next round. Accordingly, if I won, he would be a little upset, but at the same time he would be happy for me. But this time, of course, he was pleased and he was in a good mood all weekend. Eventually he caught a bit of a cold, but that was not visible on the track!

Question: Is it true that you came to the ROC together?
Sebastian Vettel: No, I came in my RV.

Question: It seems that you have been on holiday to Sweden. How are you in general since the end of your Formula 1 career and do you like to relax?
Sebastian Vettel: So far there is not much to talk about, although this time I have celebrated Christmas in a more relaxed atmosphere. Normally you have to get started in January, but now the year starts differently.

Question: Let’s face it: don’t you want to get behind the wheel of a racing car after the Race of Champions?
Sebastian Vettel: Of course I had fun and have already started to think about these topics, although only time will tell how things will really turn out.

Q: In Formula 1 you spoke openly about environmental initiatives, you always spoke about important topics and you wore T-shirts with the right slogans. What do you think of the recent FIA rule changes which effectively ban drivers from talking about controversial topics…
Sebastian Vettel: Yes, I think it’s stupid.

Q: If things take such a turn, are you probably glad you are no longer competing in Formula 1?
Sebastian Vettel: There may be some inconsistency here. Of course, everything always depends on the questions that journalists ask you and what topics are discussed in the interview. But I am absolutely convinced that certain issues should be raised, and lately we are seeing more and more that this is actually happening. And there’s no point in fighting it.

Q: Would you personally ignore such a rule?
Sebastian Vettel: I’m not in Formula 1 anymore, so of course now I can say a lot of things. But of course I wish all riders participating in the World Championship the courage to continue to express and defend their views.