Vettel Praise for Norris’ Public Self-Criticism

Four-time Formula 1 world champion, Sebastian Vettel, finds McLaren driver Lando Norris’ public self-criticism admirable rather than criticizable. This assessment comes after a challenging weekend in Bahrain, where Norris expressed concerns about adjusting to the behavior of his 2025 , which has undergone significant changes compared to the 2024 car he excelled in.

Norris’ Self-Criticism and Mental Approach

Despite finishing third after qualifying sixth in McLaren‘s dominant car, teammate Oscar Piastri clinched his second win of the season, narrowing the gap with championship leader Norris to just three points. This has led many observers to back Piastri as the early championship favorite. However, Norris has faced criticism over the years for being so open about his failures, a trait he attributes to his usual mental approach.

Vettel, a former F1 driver, sees this openness as a positive development and a sign of maturity. “I think it’s a positive development because we are normal people,” Vettel 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.

Vettel believes that Norris’ transparency makes him a role model, not a sign of weakness. While some may criticize this openness, Vettel argues that when viewed from a broader perspective, it represents progress.

Managing Tension Between Drivers

Vettel, who had a strained relationship with Red Bull teammate Mark Webber during his four-title run between 2010 and 2013, believes that McLaren and its team boss Andrea Stella will be better equipped to manage any tension between their drivers as they compete for the drivers’ championship.

Vettel doubts that the rivalry between Norris and Piastri, winner in Bahrain and managed by Vettel’s former teammate and rival Mark Webber, will reach the same intensity as his first title battle of 2010. He believes that the two drivers will get along well and that Stella is capable of managing them effectively.

Vettel suggests that modern-day rivalries are different from those in the past. While there was respect between drivers then, he believes that this generation manages their on-track and off-track interactions more effectively.