Breaking:Lando Norris Shares Emotional Appreciation for Sebastian Vettel Ahead of S…read more
Breaking:Lando Norris Shares Emotional Appreciation for Sebastian Vettel Ahead of S…read more
Lando Norris has paid a heartfelt tribute to Sebastian Vettel ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, speaking candidly about how much the four-time world champion’s support has meant to him during a challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Following a third-place finish in Bahrain, Norris remained at the top of the drivers’ standings but left the race weekend with a surprisingly downbeat attitude. The McLaren driver described his outing as a “messy race” and admitted he was “not feeling good” in his car during qualifying. His raw, emotional post-race interviews drew attention from fans and commentators alike—some praising his honesty, while others questioned his mental resilience.
However, one of the sport’s most respected figures, Sebastian Vettel, stepped in both privately and publicly to support the young Brit. Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022 but continues to be active in motorsport and social causes, praised Norris for his openness and called him a “role model” for speaking out about his emotions. He also criticized those who saw vulnerability as weakness, arguing instead that honesty should be embraced in the modern era of sport.
In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris responded warmly to Vettel’s words. “I saw what Seb said. Me and Seb talk every now and then, and he always seems to message me exactly when I need it the most,” Norris revealed. “I really love Seb, he’s always helping me and texting me, sending me little notes that I appreciate a lot. Especially from someone like him, I think it definitely means something.”
Vettel, in Jeddah this weekend for his Race for Women karting event—a competition promoting gender equality in motorsport—also spoke to Reuters about the pressures drivers face. “I think it’s a positive development because we are normal people. We do have normal problems just like everybody else,” he said. “Heroism is fine, but it’s also part of heroism to just talk about your problems and your weaknesses. That’s real courage.”
The German champion emphasized that the days of F1 drivers needing to appear invincible or hostile to rivals are changing. He believes that Norris represents this new generation—more open, emotionally intelligent, and relatable.
As the championship battle intensifies, the connection between two drivers from different eras serves as a reminder that behind the helmets and high-speed rivalries are real people, supporting one another through both triumphs and trials. For Norris, Vettel’s mentorship and friendship seem to be just as valuable as any win on the track.
