Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, stated that Lando Norris`s willingness to discuss his feelings publicly is `courageous` and will `inspire` younger generations.
Norris`s transparency about his emotions in the media has sparked debate, with critics suggesting it indicates weakness or gives rivals an advantage.
However, Vettel, the Red Bull champion from 2010-2013 who retired in 2022, defended the British driver.
Speaking ahead of the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Vettel highlighted that everyone, including F1 drivers, experiences ups and downs. He noted that having “better days and worse days” is a universal human experience.
Vettel expressed concern that some people might misinterpret Norris`s honesty as a sign of weakness, questioning his state or motives.
He countered this view emphatically, stating there is “nothing wrong” with Norris. He emphasized that self-doubt is a natural part of life that many people experience, yet it is often wrongly seen as something not to discuss.
Vettel concluded that Norris`s openness is “completely fine” and “very courageous,” expressing hope that the media would portray it positively.
Caption: Sebastian Vettel has launched his Race4Women event in an effort to increase female participation in motorsport.
Vettel Believes Norris`s Approach Inspires Youth
After achieving his first F1 wins and contributing to McLaren`s Constructors` Championship last season, Norris entered 2025 under significant scrutiny, even being tipped as a favourite for the drivers` title.
His 2025 season has been mixed. After winning the season opener in Australia, he has faced challenges optimizing his McLaren`s performance. Following a qualifying crash and a fourth-place finish in Jeddah, he lost the championship lead to teammate Oscar Piastri.
Caption: Karun Chandhok was at the SkyPad to look back on Lando Norris` massive crash during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Norris has previously discussed his experiences with pressure, such as admitting last season that he sometimes struggles to eat on race days.
Vettel views Norris as a leader among a new generation of drivers who openly discuss their emotions. He also mentioned his former competitor, Lewis Hamilton, as another positive example.
Vettel contrasted this with previous generations, where showing emotion or socializing with rivals after a race was often seen as a weakness.
He suggested that this old mindset of fierce, non-social rivalry is changing. He believes the current generation has “progressed so much” and that their ability to get along should be celebrated.
Caption: Lando Norris joked he`s making life tough for himself after just missing out on the podium at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Caption: Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris battle for P6 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
While acknowledging that the on-track rivalry remains intense, he praised the courage of today`s drivers in discussing their emotions, weaknesses, feelings of being lost, and the pressure they face.
Vettel sees this openness as “great” and believes it inspires young people to feel comfortable discussing their own struggles rather than keeping them hidden.
He concluded that seeing public figures like Norris, Hamilton, or Novak Djokovic in other fields being open helps others feel “more free” to talk about their feelings, potentially preventing problems before they arise. He called this a “great progression.”
Schumacher Also Experienced Self-Doubt, Vettel Reveals
Vettel shared that learning his idol, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, also battled self-doubt was a key moment in his own career.
Schumacher mentored Vettel when the latter entered F1 in 2007, during Schumacher`s initial retirement period before his return with Mercedes.
Reflecting on his experience with Schumacher, Vettel reiterated his defense of Norris.
He presented two ways of viewing Norris`s openness: the old way, seeing it as weakness (“getting soft,” unable to cope with pressure, “not good enough”).
The “new road” involves appreciating this openness and recognizing that past champions like Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen likely faced similar internal struggles.
Caption: Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher in discussion in 2011.
Vettel recounted his relief upon learning from Schumacher that even his “hero” and “champion” experienced self-doubt.
This realization significantly reduced his own pressure, finding “a lot of inspiration” in his hero`s shared experience.
Vettel made these comments while hosting his `Race4Women [Challenge Me]` event in Saudi Arabia, aimed at promoting female participation in motorsport there.
