Motorsport

SEBASTIAN VETTEL leaves Formula 1 at the end of this season as a true great.The four-time world champion will go down in history as a racing legend having claimed successive drivers’ championships between 2010 and 2013.
Vettel has announced he will be retiring from the sport at the end of the 2022 seasonCredit: Getty
Vettel won the first of his four world championships back in 2010Credit: AFP
He went on to dominate the sport with Red Bull until 2013Credit: EPA
He has won 53 F1 races and managed 122 podiums during a stunning 15-year career.
But in recent years his off-track work has garnered more attention than the racing itself.
Here are some of the initiatives and moments away from racing which have shown Vettel to be one of the most inspirational figures in the sport’s history.
Litter picker
Vettel was filmed helping with the litter picking after the 2021 British Grand PrixCredit: Instagram @F1

Following the 2021 British Grand Prix, Vettel was filmed helping with the litter picking as stewards cleared the messy grandstands.
The German driver had been forced to retire from the race earlier on that day.
But that did not stop him from returning to the side of the circuit to nobly carry bags of rubbish away in what was a very nice touch.
The gesture came as he prepared to speak about how crucial sustainability is to the world’s future.
After Silverstone, he told ESPN: “When it comes to picking stuff up, we can’t do everything because that’s not possible, but every time I am out running and I see something, I pick it up and put it in the bin or take it home and put it in the bin.
“I’ve noticed at the tracks there is a lot of stuff lying around after the races and I think it was a good opportunity, also for myself, to see the problem we are facing.”
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LGBTQ rights activist
Vettel has worn rainbow shirts before races to show support for the LGBTQ communityCredit: The Mega Agency
Another cause Vettel has taken to overtly supporting in the past few years is rights for the LGBTQ community.
The multiple world champion has been wearing rainbow-coloured shirts ahead of races with statements such as “same love” written on them.
And he has also vocalised his desire to see all forms of discrimination eradicated across the world.
Speaking to The Race in December, he said: “There are certain topics too big to neglect. We all agree – and it doesn’t matter where you come from – that it’s only fair to treat people equally.
“I feel our sport could apply a lot of pressure and could be of immense help to spread that fairness around the globe even more.
I think it’s not right to judge people or apply certain laws which differentiate people just because they happen to love a man instead of a woman or a woman instead of a man.
“That’s one thing, or the way they look, or their background or the things they believe in. I think any form of separation is wrong.”
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Climate campaigning on Question Time
“You’ve talked a lot about energy…does that make you a hypocrite?”“When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking, is this something that we should do?”On #bbcqt tonight, F1 driver Sebastian Vettel and the panel discuss the energy crisis.Join us at 10.40pm on @BBCOne. pic.twitter.com/LVMMs4CuvY— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) May 12, 2022

Vettel appeared on BBC’s Question Time back in May and discussed – among many other things – the ongoing climate crisis.
Speaking on the show, he said: “Every time I step in the car, I love it.
“When I get out of the car, of course I’m thinking is this something we should do, travel the world, wasting resources?”
At a separate event, he then went on to qualify why it is he continues to race despite the impact the sport has on the climate.
“I feel you could say I’m a hypocrite because I am doing something opposite to what I’m saying we need to look out for.
“But I think we will not change people’s opinion by forbidding something, so forbidding me to drive the car I think will not have the effect we like.”
‘Save the bees’
Vettel has taken it upon himself to campaign for saving the beesCredit: Splash
The German feels this is an important cause which needs attentionCredit: Splash
Vettel helped local kids in Austria build a “bee hotel”Credit: ESPN F1 Twitter
The F1 driver was thrilled with how the project turned outCredit: ESPN F1 Twitter
In 2021, Vettel worked with children in Austria to help them build a hotel for bees – which took the shape of a race car.
After the unveiling, he said: “This morning was very exciting because I was out close to the track on a field and we installed a racing car – but a very unconventional racing car because it is a hotel for insects and bees.
“I had a group of kids with me to build up the racing car. The idea behind it is to build up a little more space for insects, and in particular bees, to have more space where they can flourish and live.
“Hopefully there will be a lots of flowers growing in the future and a lot of bees coming to their new home – it will be free of charge!”
Vettel is also very active in Frutura’s BioBienenApfel society project which aims to create new habitats for bees.
The insect has become endangered in recent years and Vettel has made it his mission to raise awareness.
At the Austrian GP last month, he wore a “save the bees” shirt with the slogan: “There’s still a race to win”.
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Promise to boycott Russian Grand Prix
Vettel has had “No war” written on his helmet this seasonCredit: AFP
He also had ‘Let the children play’ written on his helmet ahead of the Hungarian GPCredit: Splash

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but before F1 announced they would be cancelling the 2022 Russian Grand Prix, Vettel stated he would boycott the race should it go ahead.
Speaking in February, he said: “My own opinion is I should not go, I will not go. I think it’s wrong to race in that country.
“I’m sorry for the people, innocent people who are losing their lives, getting killed for stupid reasons under a very strange and mad leadership.
“I woke up again after this morning’s news, shocked. I think it’s horrible to see what is happening.”
Since then, he has had “no war” written on his helmet at F1 races this season, while at the Hungarian GP he had “let the children play” inscribed on the side. More

MICHAEL Schumacher has not been seen or heard from for nearly nine years with total secrecy surrounding his health.But a few key clues have been hinted at by his friends and family which offer a fleeting insight into the reclusive F1 legend’s life.
Michael Schumacher has not been seen or heard from since 2013Credit: EPA
Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury while skiing in the Alps with his son Mick back in 2013.
He was left in a medically induced coma before being released home and then ever since it has been near silence on the driver’s condition.
His family, led by wife Corinna, closely protect Michael’s privacy and offer him a quiet life.
Fans, however, have been offered a few small glimpses into the seven-time world champion’s world.
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And this includes revelations he cries at beautiful things and watches F1 races with one of his oldest pals.
Michael’s wife has never given a definitive update on his health, but in the Netflix documentary Schumacher she simply said he was “different”.
Jean Todt just last week spoke of how he still loves to watch Grand Prixs with Michael.
The champ’s son Mick is now racing in the sport with the Haas team, with the 23-year-old never commenting on his dad’s health, but saying he would “give up everything” to chat to him about F1.
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Todt and Schumacher have been pals for years, with the 76-year-old Frenchman being a key part of the Ferrari team that saw the German win five world titles from 2000 to 2004.
He is understood to be one of Michael’s few friends from his racing days who is allowed to see him – coming to visit twice a month.
And he was reported to have been a regular visitor at the Ferrari and Mercedes racer’s bedside after his ski crash, with F1 champ Niki Lauda describing the pair as having a “deep and respectful friendship”.
“I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael,” Todt told German TV channel RTL.
“But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.”
The ex-FIA president previously told how he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again, revealing Schumacher has “never changed”.
He continued: “I don’t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together.
“The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.
“Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”
‘MICHAEL HAS NEVER CHANGED’
Meanwhile, sources – described as “close relatives” – claimed in French magazine Paris Match back in 2018 that Schumacher cries when he sees natural beauty.
They said: “When you put him in his wheelchair facing the beautiful panorama of the mountains overlooking the lake, Michael sometimes cries.”
The two family members who “visit him often” said it was very encouraging that Schumacher still shows emotions.
It was also reported in 2015 that Schumacher cries when he hears the voices of his wife Corinna and children, Gina-Maria and Mick.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra says Schumacher is moved to tears when he hears familiar sounds – such as his wife and children or even his beloved dogs.
“Schumi cries. And sometimes mysteriously,” the paper reported.
“He cries when he hears his children, his wife’s voice, his dogs. In the silence of that room, a tear runs down his thin face at a known sound.
“There is life, enclosed in a drop; there is the strength of a man who is moved and that moves each of us.
“We have his tears, his senses exposed.”

Michael Schumacher was always close pals with Jean TodtCredit: EPA
And meanwhile in 2014, fellow F1 driver Philippe Streiff claimed that just over one year on from the crash that Schumacher could recognise friends and family – but couldn’t speak.
Streiff, who was left quadriplegic by a 1989 crash, told Le Parisien Schumacher was “nevertheless starting to recognise those close to him”.
He claimed he got his information from Schumacher’s wife and his surgeon – but Michael’s longtime manager Sabine Kehm denied the family had contact with Streiff.
Cryptic comments by Schumacher’s former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo in February 2016 sparked further speculation about the racer’s condition.
He told reporters: “I have news and unfortunately it is not good. Life is strange.”
And in a rare so-what official update, Schumacher’s lawyer Felix Damm told a German court that his client “cannot walk” as part of a lawsuit against magazine Die Bunte.
He senses that loving people are around him, caring for him and, thank God, keeping the overly curious public awayGeorg Ganswein
He said: “Michael cannot even stand with the help of his special therapists.
“I cannot make any other comments about Michael’s health situation.”
Die Bunte had claimed Schumacher was able to take steps and raise an arm months previously, which was rebutted by Kehm.
German archbishop Georg Ganswein also offered hints about Michael’s health as he revealed emotional visit to see the 91-time race winner in 2016.
He said although Schumacher’s face has “become a little fuller” the record-breaking driver still looks the same as he did when last seen by his millions of fans.
“I sat opposite him, took hold of both hands and looked at him,” the 62-year-old – who is one of Pope Francis’s key advisers – said according to German newspaper Bild.
Michael Schumacher is regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“He senses that loving people are around him, caring for him and, thank God, keeping the overly curious public away.”
And in one promising comment, controversial F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone hinted that Michael could once again return to the public eye.
He said: “He is not with us at the moment.
“But when he gets better, he’ll answer all the questions.”
And all of these hints and cryptic remarks come as a vacuum of information fuels the rumours swirling around his health.
But the only people who know for sure are Schumacher’s family and his closest pals.
Corinna broke down in tears last Wednesday as her husband was awarded the State Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia.
And the family are reported to be preparing to start spending the winter months at a property in Majorca – having “big plans” for their “new life”.
Michael is one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, dominating the sport in the early 2000s after rising to power in the 90s.
He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012 – a second act of his career which saw him become instrumental in setting up Lewis Hamilton’s dominant Mercedes team.
The German won five world championships with Ferrari and two for Benetton.
Schumacher retired in 2012, but just a year later he was involved in a life-changing skiing accident while on the slopes with Mick.
And meanwhile, Schumacher’s former manager Willi Weber accused the star’s family of lying about his condition.
The 80-year-old said he is still “angry” that the brood hasn’t updated him on the F1 icon’s health since his skiing accident nine years ago.
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He took swipes at both Corinna and Jean Todt, saying: “They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late.”
Weber initially understood the need for secrecy from the Schumacher family but that since he got out of hospital, “we have only heard lies from them”. More

MICHAEL Schumacher’s family are preparing to start a “new life” in Majorca, according to reports.It’s claimed the racing legend will be spending the winter months on the Spanish holiday island at a £27million villa.
Michael Schumacher and his wife Corinna are reportedly relocating to MajorcaCredit: Rex Features
Pictures show the luxurious £27million property linked to the SchumachersCredit: WENN
His devoted wife Corinna and their children – F1 racer Mick and keen equestrian Gina-Maria’s – are all also reportedly expected to spend time at their new property, reports German magazine Die Bunte.
It has been widely reported the family were planning to relocate to the sun soaked island, and they have been repeatedly linked to the plush pile near the ritzy town of Port Andratx.
Corinna is said to have “big plans” for the family in Spain, including suggestions they will be setting up a horse ranch near their new home.
Schumacher himself is reported to have made visits to the property by helicopter and spent time there.
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And it comes as the ongoing mystery swirls around Michael’s health, with the legendary F1 driver not seen or heard from in nine years since a horrific ski crash.
Michael suffered a traumatic brain injury after taking a fall which left him in a medically induced coma – and his family have kept his health a closely guarded secret.
Even while still racing in F1, Schumacher kept his home and family life very private – and his wife Corinna is believed to be continuing to carry out his wishes.
The new report – published this week in the German glossy mag and featured on its front page – details some of the family’s expected hopes and dreams for their future in Majorca.
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Just as previously reportedly, it is claimed the family have purchased Villa Yasmin, which was once owned by Real Madrid boss Florentino Pérez.
The huge property features two swimming pools, a large garden, a helipad, a guest villa and stunning sea views.
And it is previously been reported the villa will be kitted out with the relevant medical equipment needed for Michael.
It has also been reported the Schumachers have purchased the expansive plot of land, which is currently full of dilapidated buildings and almond trees.
The plot reportedly cost them £2.3million and is described as an “absolute rarity in the region of south-west Majorca” due to how close it is to the sea.
The Schumacher family are said to have previously enjoyed life on the island – and Die Bunte claims it is a favourite destination among Schuey’s F1 pals.
Michael is said to have in the past visited his manager Willi Weber there – with his villa being just a 10 minute driver from their new estate.
‘BIG PLANS’
Other F1 stars with ties to Majorca include German star Nico Hulkenberg, who got married on the island last month, and current Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who also makes regular visits.
British F1 world champion Nigel Mansell also once lived on the island in a luxurious property on a private estate.
Die Bunte also reports that Gina-Maria and Mick both enjoy jet-skiing around the bay in the waters off the Balearic Island.
Corinna is thought to have major ideas for their new home – including setting up their new plot of land to be a horse ranch.
She wants to make sure Michael has the “best medical care” and is with the family “as much as possible”.

Corinna Schumacher is a keen horse rider and has competed in competitionsCredit: Rex
Michael’s son Mick pictured on a jet ski with F1 pal Esteban Ocon
The family already have horses in Texas and at their home in Switzerland.
She could seek to breed horses and sell them on the land – potentially even hosting competitions in Majorca.
The land they have bought is reportedly designated as an agricultural area, meaning there should be no problems in building stables and setting up meadows.
Reports of the Schumacher family ties to Majorca have emerged multiple times in the last four years – including reports they were planning to buy the plot land dating back to May 2021.
The plot was reported at the time to have been to “raise and ride horses on”.
Schumacher’s daughter is a non-professional horse rider and equestrian while Corinna won the European Championship in western-style horse riding in 2010.
Gina-Maria’s boyfriend, Iain Bethke, is also a show jumper.
Horses are a key part of the Schumacher family, with Michael himself also enjoying riding and taking part in rodeos.
It was reported last year that Corinna was selling the family’s £6.4million mansion on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
The family initially denied plans in 2018 they were going to move into the plush villa, but reports have persisted – including claims neighbours saw them at the property in 2019.
And the mayor also claimed the family had moved in.
Schumacher, 53, suffered a horrific head injury while skiing with his son Mick in December 2013 – just one year after his retirement from F1.
And ever since, mystery has loomed over his health – with only a slow trickle of information being fed out by the family and his team.
Michael Schumacher and Corinna got married in 1995Credit: Rex Features
Michael and Corinna have two children – daughter Gina-Maria and son MickCredit: Netflix
No one outside of Schumacher’s inner circle – which has Corinna at its heart – really knows what is happening with Michael.
Schumacher’s former manager of 20 years – Willi Weber – has fiercely raged about the lack of information as he accused the family of hiding the truth.
The 80-year-old said he’s still “angry” at the Schumachers for not updating him on the F1 icon’s health.
He said he initially understood the need for secrecy from the Schumacher family but that since he got out of hospital, “we have only heard lies from them”.
“They kept me out, telling me it’s too early, well now it’s too late. It’s been nine years. Maybe they should just say it the way it is,” Weber told La Gazetta dello Sport.
The lack of official updates has left room for speculation and conflicting reports from “insiders” about his slow progress.
Some have claimed he was in a vegetative state while others claimed he was awake and able to talk.
Schumacher’s pal ex-F1 boss Jean Todt – who is understood be one of few friends who goes to see the stricken driver – last week gave a rare update.
The 74-year-old told German TV channel RTL: “I don’t miss Michael, I see him. Yes, it’s true, I watch races with Michael.
“But sure, I guess what I miss is what we used to do together.”
The former Ferrari chief previously told how he “hopes the world” will be able to see his dear friend again, revealing Schumacher has “never changed”.
He continued: “I don’t leave him alone. Him, Corinna, the family, we’ve had so many experiences together.
“The beauty of what we have experienced is part of us and it goes on.
“Sometimes success and money changes you. But Michael has never changed. He’s so strong.”
The F1 legend was a seven-time-world champion – winning five times for Ferrari and twice for Benetton – and is regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time.
He raced from 1991 to 2006, and again from 2010 to 2012, winning 91 races.
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And the brief second act of his career saw him become instrumental in setting up Lewis Hamilton’s dominant Mercedes team.
The Sun Online contacted Schumacher’s longterm manager Sabine Kehm for comment on the reports of their “new life” in Mallorca.
Corinna and Gina-Maria Schumacher at a prizing giving in his Michael’s honour last weekCredit: Splash More

FORMULA ONE star Alex Albon has aimed a cheeky dig at Oscar Piastri and Alpine as he announced a new deal with Williams Racing.Albon, 26, had his place for the 2023 season confirmed in an announcement from Williams earlier today.
Alex Albon, right, sits with team-mate Nicholas Latifi on a tour of Canada’s F1 trackCredit: EPA
Albon has managed to squeeze three points out of his Williams car so far this yearCredit: EPA
Oscar Piastri sent shockwaves through F1 by denying his seat with Alpine next seasonCredit: Reuters
Fernando Alonso, left, was announced as the replacement for Sebastian Vettel at Aston MartinCredit: EPA
However, the London-born driver – who represents Thailand due to his mother’s nationality – aimed a cheeky dig at rivals Alpine and reserve driver Piastri after a botched announcement on Tuesday.
Alpine, formerly known as Renault, announced they were promoting F2 champion Piastri to an F1 seat next season.
But the Australian later hit back on Twitter and said he would NOT be racing for the team next season in a cascade of embarrassing moments for Alpine and Alpine boss Otmar Szafnauer.
Albon’s tweet, which coincided with Williams’ announcement, said: “I understand that, with my agreement, Williams Racing have put out a press release this afternoon that I am driving for them next year.
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“This is right and I have signed a contract with Williams for 2023. I will be driving for Williams next year.”
This sequence of events was kickstarted when four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from F1 at the end of the season.
Aston Martin then moved to fill their vacant seat with two-time World Champion Fernardo Alonso, despite Alpine apparently being unaware of this agreement until the press release.
In response, Alpine then announced Piastri as their replacement before his denial of an agreement sent the world of F1 into a frenzy.
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Albon’s jibe is the latest instalment in the saga, which looks set to take on further developments due to McLaren’s reported interest in replacing Daniel Ricciardo with his junior compatriot.
He has secured two points finishes for Williams this season and scored two-podium finishes after promotion to Red Bull from affiliate team Toro Rosso, now known as AlphaTauri, in 2019.
However, the two podiums he scored were not deemed to be good enough and he was replaced by Sergio Perez last year, who proved to be a pivotal third-party as Max Verstappen dramatically beat Lewis Hamilton on the line to become the World Champion last year.
Albon then sat out a year of the sport as a reserve driver at Red Bull before Williams offered him a lifeline.
On the deal, Williams team principal Jost Capito said: “Alex is a tremendous driver and valued member of Williams Racing, so we’re thrilled to be able to confirm we will be working with him on a long-term basis.
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“Alex brings a great blend of skill and insightful learnings that will help bring the team greater success in the future.
“He’s a fierce competitor, has proved a popular and loyal team member and we are delighted that he will provide a stable base for us to continue to develop in this new F1 car era.” More