Vettel: Norris a ‘role model’ for embracing vulnerability

In the high-strung world of Formula 1, where egos often eclipse humility, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has spotlighted McLaren’s Lando Norris as a beacon of authenticity and a genuine “role model”.

Norris currently leads the Drivers’ standings after four rounds, but the Briton has been openly self-critical about his struggles with McLaren’s MCL39.

The 25-year-old’s mindset and vulnerability has sparked debate about whether he has the “right mentality” to become a world champion.

Vettel, however, sees things differently. Speaking to Reuters, the former Red Bull and Ferrari driver pushed back against the narrative that Norris’s honesty is a sign of weakness.

Instead, Vettel believes Norris is setting an example for the next generation of drivers.

‘A Positive Development’

“I think it’s a positive development because we are normal people,” Vettel said. “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.”

The German, who retired from Formula 1 at the end of 2022, emphasized that self-reflection is not a flaw, but progress.

“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, I think it’s just progress.”

Vettel’s Title Favourite

Despite the tension that naturally arises from being outpaced by a teammate, Norris and Piastri’s rivalry has been remarkably respectful. Vettel doesn’t anticipate that changing.

“I would still put Lando as an indirect favourite, but time will tell,” he said. “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 credited McLaren team principal Andrea Stella for maintaining harmony between the drivers and praised the generational shift in how drivers manage rivalries.

“I think they’ll get along and I think Andrea also is in a position to manage them well. The rivalries nowadays are different.

“I think we had respect and I think 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.”

Lessons from Red Bull’s Turbulence

Vettel also weighed in on the broader title picture, particularly Max Verstappen’s early-season woes. After years of dominance, Red Bull is struggling, and the Dutchman’s sixth-place finish in Bahrain raised eyebrows.

Still, Vettel believes the team can turn things around.

“Obviously Red Bull isn’t very strong now, but if you just go back one year, Red Bull started off very strong and wasn’t that strong at the end and still won. So I think, you know, of course it can change,” he said.

“It’s not that easy to fix but generally I think they know what they are doing. It is very likely or very possible that Red Bull can turn it around.”

In Vettel’s eyes, Norris’ vulnerability and Red Bull’s resilience signal a sport evolving beyond bravado, embracing authenticity and adaptability as true markers of greatness.

• Read also: Stella reveals ‘a useful characteristic’ driving Piastri progress

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