Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has praised McLaren driver Lando Norris for being `courageous` and for potentially `inspiring` young people by openly discussing his feelings.
Norris`s frankness with the media over recent seasons has sparked debate, with some suggesting such openness indicates weakness and could be exploited by rivals.
However, Vettel, who won four consecutive drivers` championships for Red Bull between 2010 and 2013 before retiring in 2022, has spoken out in support of the British driver.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 in Saudi Arabia ahead of the recent Grand Prix, Vettel stated, `We all experience good times and bad times, whether we are Formula 1 drivers or in any regular job. That`s just how we are; we have better days and worse days.`
He addressed the potential negative reaction: `The risk is that people will discuss what he might be going through and interpret it as a sign of weakness, thinking `Why is he doing that? What`s going on with him? What`s wrong with him?` But nothing is wrong with him. Everyone goes through similar things at different points in their lives. Self-doubt is completely natural, yet it`s strangely unnatural to talk about, and that`s the real issue.`
Vettel concluded, `Therefore, I believe it`s perfectly fine, and I think it`s very courageous of him to be so open about this aspect of himself. I hope the media portrays it in a more positive light.`
Vettel: Norris`s approach will inspire young kids
Following his first F1 victory and McLaren`s improved performance, Norris has faced increased scrutiny, particularly after being discussed as a potential championship contender. His start to the current season has seen moments of inconsistency, struggling at times to maximize the car`s potential.
Norris himself has been open about dealing with pressure, previously mentioning issues like difficulty eating on race days.
Vettel highlighted Norris, alongside former competitor Lewis Hamilton, as positive role models for a new generation of drivers who are more comfortable discussing their emotions.
`Going back one or two or three generations, talking about emotions was seen as a weakness,` Vettel explained. `Being friendly with rivals after a race was also seen as soft – why interact with someone you want to beat or push off the track?`
He challenged this old view: `Is that really true? I think if you look at the current generation of drivers, they have made significant progress, and we should celebrate that they get along and connect. They maintain their intense rivalry on track, absolutely wanting to beat each other, but they also possess the courage to talk about their feelings, their weaknesses, moments of feeling lost, and the pressure they experience.`
Vettel emphasized the positive impact: `I think it`s wonderful, and it encourages young children to do the same. It`s much healthier for a child not to feel like they must bottle things up. Because Lando, or Lewis, or Novak Djokovic in tennis, or even people in business are starting to open up, you feel freer to express these feelings, discuss them, and often resolve potential problems before they actually start. I see that as great progress.`
Schumacher experienced self-doubt too
Vettel also shared a personal experience, revealing that learning his childhood idol, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, also dealt with self-doubt was a defining moment in his own career. Schumacher had mentored Vettel when he entered F1.
Reflecting on this, Vettel again defended Norris`s approach. He suggested two ways to view vulnerability: `One path is the old way, dismissing it as `weak,` `wrong,` `getting soft,` or `can`t handle the pressure.` The other is to appreciate it and recognize that past heroes like Michael Schumacher or Mika Häkkinen likely faced the same internal struggles.`
Vettel recounted, `Speaking with Michael, I felt a great sense of relief when he admitted to having self-doubt. My hero, my champion, the person whose posters were on my walls as a child, had self-doubt. Knowing my hero went through the same things significantly eased the pressure I felt. I believe there is a lot of inspiration to be drawn from this.`
Vettel made these comments at an event he hosted in Saudi Arabia, Race4Women, aimed at increasing female participation in motor racing in the country.
