The Aston Martin driver has been quite active in promoting gender equality this year, speaking openly about some of the common attitudes towards women in Saudi Arabia.
But instead of simply speaking out against what he does not like, Vettel used his presence in the country to better understand the situation.
He rented a local go-kart track and invited some local drivers so he could listen to them about the real situation on site.
“Of course there has been a lot of talk and thought about racing here, the first time we’re racing in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“There were a lot of questions asked and I asked myself so I thought about what I could do. So much attention was paid to negative examples when it came to human rights shortcomings in certain countries.” and other things so I really tried to think of the positives.
“I started my own karting event today using the hashtag #raceforwomen and I think a group of seven or eight girls and women were on the track.
“We organized a nice event just for them and I tried to pass on some of my experiences from life and on the track to do something together to build their self-confidence.”
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Saudi Arabia has only allowed women to drive in the last few years, and Vettel has invited girls with a mix of experience – from those who have driven to those who have no license.
The event was fun for the attendees, but Vettel said he benefited from it too.
“I have to say that I was inspired by their stories and their background and the positive attitude towards change in the country,” he said.
“It is true that if we look through a Western or European lens, there are still many things that need to be improved and addressed. But it’s also true that some things are changing and for these people it makes a huge difference. “
“In the end it is very difficult for us to come to a country where we only spend a few days trying to be a perfect judge, but don’t really know the background and the people.
“But that way I think it was important for me to get to know these women. I think it was a very memorable and inspiring day and a great way to start the weekend. As I said, to focus on the positive.”
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