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F1: Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel to appear on BBC Question Time

F1 Fourtime champion Sebastian Vettel to appear on BBC Question Time
Does he debate as well as he drives?
F1 Grand Prix of Miami - Opening Party
Sebastian Vettel wore a shirt highlighting climate change issues at the Miami Grand Prix (Photo: Getty)

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel is set to appear on the BBC topical debate programme Question Time on Thursday night.

The Aston Martin driver’s appearance on the show was announced last week by host Fiona Bruce, catching many fans and viewers by surprise.

It is the first time an active F1 driver will appear on the long-running show, that features live debate between politicians and other personalities, with questions being asked by members of the public.

One of the most popular drivers on the grid, Vettel has become well-known for supporting various different causes, but admitted he hoped to discuss several subjects on Question time.

‘I’m fairly open,’ the 34-year-old German said. ‘I think it’s a different format. And yeah, I’m looking forward to it. I think there’s a lot I can learn.

‘Obviously, I have my opinion. I’m not saying it’s always right or wrong.

F1 Grand Prix of Hungary
The Aston Martin man showed support for the LGBTQ+ community at last year’s race in Hungary (Photo: Getty)

‘But I think it will be interesting because it will be a very different setting and probably different sorts of questions or topics to be spoken about.’

Last season, Vettel received praise, but also backlash from the FIA, for wearing a rainbow shirt with the words ‘Same Love’ on it at the Hungarian Grand Prix, in protest of the country’s discriminatory laws against the LGBTQ+ community.

He also set up a women-only karting event in Saudi Arabia to advocate for more rights for female drivers in the Middles Eastern state, and earlier this year became the first driver to say he would boycott the Russian Grand Prix following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, with the race cancelled shortly thereafter.

Vettel has also raised awareness of several environmental issues, most recently wearing a shirt highlighting the impact of climate change and rising sea levels at last weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

More: BBC

On the track, he is one of the most successful racers of all-time, winning four straight titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, and to date has 53 wins, 122 podiums and 57 pole positions to his name.

The former Ferrari driver also holds several notable F1 records, including most wins in a season (13 in 2013), most consecutive wins (nine), and youngest world champion ever.

Vettel’s Question Time debut is due to air at 10:40pm on Thursday on BBC One.

MORE : Mercedes makes new long-term commitment to F1 with ‘bright future’ ahead

MORE : Mick Schumacher hopeful that Sebastian Vettel friendship is still intact after Miami Grand Prix crash

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

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