Sebastian Vettel's Eco-Friendly Surprise at Japanese Grand Prix Sparks Global Interest

The Suzuka Circuit bustled with activity on Thursday as Formula One's four-time world champion, Sebastian Vettel, embarked on his latest environmental endeavor before the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

Having retired from F1 in the previous season, Vettel lent his assistance in establishing insect hotels near turn two of the track. This initiative aims to support the survival of insect populations in the vicinity while also promoting awareness about the significance of biodiversity.

The campaign, called "Buzzin Corner," enlisted active F1 drivers to personalize the hotels, while the kerb at turn two was adorned with yellow and black paint.

"With this project, my aim is to raise awareness about the significance and theme of biodiversity," stated Vettel in an interview with the F1 website. "It has been an exhilarating endeavor, requiring substantial effort and deep devotion."

Standing up for biodiversity involves more than just insects—it encompasses all types of animals. It is imperative that we recognize and appreciate the diversity present not only among human beings but also in nature. Safeguarding this variety is a cause that resonates deeply with me, and I am passionate about emphasizing its significance and promoting awareness.

A bee adorned with the number five, which Vettel used as his racing number for many years, is the project's logo.

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The hotels themselves also incorporate the bee-themed color scheme, as Vettel, in collaboration with a local carpenter, builds insect homes to further support the project's focus on biodiversity. Vettel, a four-time world champion, expresses the significance of the bee as not only a representative for itself but for all other insects. This understanding prompts the team to view the bee as their ambassador, serving as a crucial messenger for their important message.

In 2021, Vettel collaborated with local schoolchildren to construct a bee hotel resembling an F1 car at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Additionally, he contributed to the tidying up of the stands at Silverstone following the conclusion of the British Grand Prix.

During the month of July, Vettel participated in the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. He skillfully maneuvered a sustainably fueled McLaren MP4/7 and Williams FW14B. Moreover, he showcased his title-winning Red Bull RB7 at the renowned Nürburgring's Nordschleife, employing carbon-neutral fuel for the duration of the event.

Vettel extended an invitation to the paddock to witness and embellish the ongoing hotel constructions, and the drivers and team principals eagerly accepted.

Every team was given the chance to incorporate their own unique touch to the hotels using paintbrushes, and some drivers even contributed to the structures by adding wooden blocks and sticks.

Vettel gathered the drivers, team principals and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali together at "Buzzin' Corner."

Issei Kato/Reuters

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, friend and former fierce rival of Vettel, praised the German for leading the charge for environmentalism within F1.

"In the history of the sport, there is no other driver who has been as outspoken and genuinely compassionate towards the world beyond the confines of our own existence," Hamilton expressed. "It is truly exceptional that he is making use of his influence."

"Collectively, we must unite and make a constructive difference in this world - to foster love, show compassion, and raise awareness about the numerous issues that demand our attention. Among these concerns, biodiversity undoubtedly holds a significant place."