Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel to appear on BBC’s Question Time

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.

‘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