Former F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel is taking on a new sporting challenge: the London Marathon, to support two charities.
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Sebastian Vettel will participate in the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, a 42,195 km course through the British capital, to support the Brain & Spine Foundation and the Grand Prix Trust.
The German, a four-time F1 world champion, joins Tom Clarkson, a specialized journalist and host of FIA press conferences during Grands Prix, to take on this sporting challenge.
Vettel thus marks his second charitable commitment in a running race, following the participation of former Marussia driver Max Chilton in 2023, who ran to raise funds for the RNLI.
A field of prestigious athletes
The 2026 marathon will also see the participation of many iconic figures from British sport. Among them, Tony Adams, victorious Premier League and FA Cup captain with Arsenal, and Aaron Ramsay, also a FA Cup winner.
Cricket will be represented by former England team captain Sir Alastair Cook, while cycling will feature Dame Laura Kenny, the most decorated British sportswoman in the women’s Olympic Games.
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The world of sailing will not be outdone with Sir Ben Ainslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, and horse racing by Sir AP McCoy, winner of the Grand National. This diversity shows the scale of the field and the growing interest in the charitable dimension of the marathon.
Motivation beyond sport
For Vettel, the event is not only a physical challenge but also a way to support causes close to his personal commitment.
“Participating in this race is an occasion to give something back and to raise awareness on subjects that are close to my heart” he confides.
The four-time world champion thus combines a passion for sport and humanitarian action, offering an inspiring example for his fans and for the sporting community.
The London Marathon therefore promises a unique mix of sporting legends and former F1 drivers this year, all united for important causes, with Vettel as the figurehead of this solidarity commitment.
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