Vettel discusses the importance of the 'Invitation' T-shirt from the last F1 race.
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Vettel announced his retirement from grand prix racing after the Yas Marina event last weekend, saying he wanted to spend more time at home with his family. It also comes against the backdrop of him becoming an environmental advocate, having done much in recent years to raise the visibility of climate and social concerns. Vettel was seen wearing a black T-shirt with an image of the world above the word ‘Invitation’ as he came into the F1 paddock for the final time as a driver in Abu Dhabi. The design sparked many questions about its meaning, which the four-time champion has since clarified.
Vettel revealed to supporters on social media that it was motivated by his desire to ask people to help make a difference in addressing climate change. “It’s really about an invitation to see the kind of power and influence that we can have on a lot of people,” he explained in a video posted to Instagram. Vettel claimed that the advent of his children, followed by the death of his father-in-law, spurred his own understanding of larger issues. “I have to say that when I was young, around 20/25, I didn’t really see the news that there was already a significant problem since it didn’t affect me,” he remarked. “The life I was living: I was engaged in racing, in success.” And then a couple of things occurred in my life.
“I opted to become a father with my wife.” Our first daughter was born when I was 26 years old, a year after our second daughter was born. Then, a year later, my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and died one and a half years later. “At the same moment, I’m presented with the future: seeing my children for the first time, holding my children in my arms.” At the same time, one is confronted with death, the end of one’s life. It really made me think about my life, the future we have ahead of us, and the world we live in.”
Vettel stated that taking a step back and realising the chance he had to impact change prompted him to take action. “I really thought, how can I use the voice that I have to address problems that are truly essential for all of us in terms of our globe and our climate?” “I believe the world is changing swiftly.” And it necessitates that we all evaluate what we can do. So I began to consider what I could do on my end to be less of a part of the problem and, in some cases, more of a part of the solution, based on the large gains.
“How do I get from one race to the next?” Obviously, you sort of fall into this because of time efficiency and comfort, travelling with private jets around the world, and so on. I abruptly ceased doing so. And I start to feel better about it. “I began to question my nutrition; what did I eat?” What is the source of the food? I began to wonder, “Where do I obtain my energy?” How do I ingest? Which clothes am I going to buy? There are numerous possibilities.” Vettel stated that he took it upon himself to try to enlist the help of other drivers as well as to inspire the general people to make a change.
