How Sebastian Vettel’s F1Forest initiative is uniting the paddock to save the rainforest. Sebastian Vettel launches the F1Forest initiative to protect the Amazon rainforest.

Sebastian Vettel has launched his new F1FOREST project in Brazil to help protect the rainforest. In recent years, Sebastian Vettel has repeatedly shown a strong dedication to environmental initiatives, from the Buzzin’ Corner biodiversity campaign in 2023 to creating a recycled helmet in 2024. His new project, however, focuses on something even bigger: safeguarding the Amazon.

What is F1Forest?

The concept behind the project is simple. People working in Formula 1—and beyond—are invited to draw a tree, share what that tree means to them, and become part of a global collage. The result is a collective artwork meant to transcend borders, communities, and screens.

The goal is to gather as many trees as possible, because a forest is made of many trees. A wide range of people have already taken part, from drivers to members of the paddock and fans at the circuits. Sebastian Vettel and his team also visited schools, where children from different backgrounds—wealthy and disadvantaged—contributed with their own drawings, as well as a retirement home. Naturally, people on social media can also participate by sharing their stories.

Sebastian Vettel’s words

Although some may be skeptical about the impact of “F1FOREST,” Sebastian Vettel believes it has genuine potential to make a difference, as thousands of people have already submitted their drawings.

He explained: “You might ask, ‘What’s the point? You’re just drawing on a sheet of paper.’ But where do you think your interviews end up? They go into newspapers, on the Internet, on social media. People read them, take inspiration, take something from what was said. Some probably won’t, but others will, and those people might start thinking, ‘Should I plant a tree? A seed?’ It starts by planting a seed in the mind, and from there it grows. This isn’t a personal agenda. It’s something that concerns all of us. I understand that people are busy and have their own lives and passions, but it’s something we should see much more of, and that’s why I’m using my position to raise awareness.” – the former Ferrari driver pointed out.

The drivers’ contribution

All 20 Formula 1 drivers took part in the project, each creating their own drawing and taking the time to sit down with the German driver, discuss the initiative, and enjoy a moment that felt like returning to an art class. Vettel said the drawings were all very different. Some drivers put a lot of effort into their artwork, while others took a lighter approach, but every single one contributed.

He also shared a funny anecdote involving Max Verstappen, who was so focused on his drawing that he did not notice his team calling him for an interview.

At the end of the long conversation, Sebastian Vettel said he was very happy to inspire people around the world, and that his dream is to help bring about real change.