Vettel: Lando Norris’ vulnerability makes him great role model

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel thinks McLaren driver Lando Norris‘ public self-criticism is something to admire rather than criticise.

Over a difficult weekend in Bahrain, Norris was hugely self-critical over his problems adjusting to the behaviour of his 2025 McLaren, which has seen significant changes compared to the 2024 car he excelled in.

While Norris finished third after qualifying a lowly sixth in McLaren’s dominant car, team-mate Oscar Piastri cruised to his second win of the season to get to within three points of championship leader Norris, leading observers to backing the young Australian as the early championship favourite.

But while Norris has copped a lot of criticism over the years for being so public about any failings, which the Briton explained is part of usual his mental approach, former F1 driver Vettel says his openness actually makes him a role model.

“I think it’s a positive development because we are normal people,” the German told Reuters. “We do have normal problems just like everybody else. Heroism is fine but it’s also part of the heroism to just talk about your problems and your weakness. I think that’s a great development to see and to witness and, you know, real role models.”

“I don’t think it’s a sign of weakness. It might be criticised by some people, but if you look at the broader picture it’s just progress.”

Vettel, who endured a strained relationship with Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber during his four-title run between 2010 and 2013, believes McLaren and its team boss Andrea Stella will be better able to manage any tension between its drivers as they look set to fight for the drivers’ championship amongst themselves.

Vettel doubted the rivalry between Norris, and Piastri, winner in Bahrain, and managed by the German’s old team-mate and rival Mark Webber, would have the same heat as his first title battle of 2010.

“Naturally people always look for entertainment, which is fine and it’s part of the sport, but I don’t see those two having a really intense and rough partnership,” he said. “I think they’ll get along and Andrea also is in a position to manage them well.

“The rivalries nowadays are different. We had respect and this generation has respect for each other, but I think they have progressed and they manage it better than us to differentiate what’s happening on track and what’s happening off track.”