Norris opens up on Vettel’s crucial support in times of troubles

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Lando Norris has revealed the surprising yet heartening support he’s received from four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, in times when “I probably need it most” he admitted.

While Norris currently leads the Drivers’ standings after four rounds by a slender three points over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, it hasn’t been clear sailing for the Briton so far.

The 25-year-old has faced challenges that have tested his resolve. The handling of this year’s McLaren has been a particular thorn in his side, with Norris struggling to fully get to grips with team papaya’s MCL39.

Nowhere was this more evident than at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where a scrappy race saw him qualify sixth and fight his way to a third-place finish behind Piastri and George Russell.

Norris’ openness about his struggles has been striking. Unlike many drivers who guard their vulnerabilities, he has been candid about the difficulties, sparking discussions about whether his honesty leaves him too exposed.

A Quiet Support Behind the Scenes

But in moments of doubt or frustration, one voice has quietly been there for him: Sebastian Vettel.

The retired German driver, now a respected figure in the F1 paddock, recently praised Norris for his candour and authenticity, calling the five-time Grand Prix winner a genuine “role model”.

“I saw what Seb said. Me and Seb talk every now and again. He texts me. Always in times when I probably need it the most,” Norris shared when asked about Vettel’s recent public praise ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

“I really love Seb. He’s always helping me and texting me and sending me little notes that I appreciate a lot. Especially from someone like him. I think it definitely means something.”

Eyes on Jeddah

Looking ahead to this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris knows he’ll need to raise his game.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit hasn’t been his strongest venue historically, with Piastri outshining him there in both 2023 and 2024.

“It’s stuff that me and the team are working hard on to try and understand,” Norris explained.

“It’s clear that there are things have changed from last year when I was feeling very comfortable. That’s not allowing me to do as good as a job this year.

“It’s not like I’ve been doing a bad job but I am definitely not able to be at the level that I should be and know I can be or want to be.

“Working hard to address them. I’ve worked hard to try and understand them myself.”

With his determination intact – and unexpected but valuable encouragement from a champion like Vettel – Norris is digging deep.

Whether or not his form in Jeddah improves, the McLaren driver has shown once again that vulnerability and leadership can coexist – and that even in the cutthroat world of F1, quiet mentorship can go a long way.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.