GERMANY (AP) – Retired four-time Formula One (f1) champion Sebastian Vettel and double Olympic sailing bronze medallist Erik Heil will help lead the new Germany SailGP Team in tycoon Larry Ellison’s global league.
Vettel will be a co-investor alongside team owner Thomas Reidel and both will take an active role in the management and performance of the team. Heil will steer the team’s 50-foot foiling catamaran. Germany becomes the 10th team in SailGP, which begins its fourth season on June 16-17 with the Rolex United States Sail Grand Prix at Navy Pier in Chicago.
“I see a lot of potential as SailGP starts its fourth season and for the first time with a German team,” Vettel said.
“Parallels between sailors and f1 have long existed. The boats are fascinating and the speeds on the water are incredibly high. The races are exciting and I am happy to be close to them with a motivated group of young sailors. In addition, the series not only uses wind power but also strives to set new standards in sustainability in sports.”