Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, has commended Lando Norris of McLaren for his bravery in discussing mental health in public. According to Vettel, Norris’ candor will motivate new supporters and dispel the antiquated notion that displaying emotion in sports is a sign of inferiority.

After a successful 2024 season, Norris started the 2025 season as one of the favorites to win the world championship, but he has had a shaky start to the new campaign. After finishing in fourth place in Saudi Arabia, he surrendered the championship lead to teammate Oscar Piastri, despite having won the season opener in Australia.

Norris has spoken candidly about the strain of racing in recent seasons, mentioning how he gets nervous before races and loses his appetite. Although Vettel vehemently disagrees, some detractors see this as a sign of fragility.

“Self-doubt is the most natural thing there is, but it’s the most unnatural thing to talk about – and that’s wrong,” Vettel said in an interview with Sky Sports F1. I believe his willingness to open out is very brave. I hope the media backs him and portrays it as a strength rather than a weakness.

Vettel, who left Formula 1 in 2022, has always been renowned for his contemplative outlook on life outside of racing. He contrasted Norris’ candor with that of other elite sportsmen who have openly acknowledged mental health, including as Novak Djokovic and Lewis Hamilton.

Drivers were supposed to be harsh and reticent expressing their feelings in the past. Things are changing now. Drivers are still racing hard, but they are also talking about the strain they are under, which is a change for the better, Vettel said.

He also spoke about how he was able to handle pressure throughout his own racing career after discovering that his boyhood idol, Michael Schumacher, experienced periods of self-doubt.

When Michael admitted to me that he experienced self-doubt, I felt comforted. It made me realize I wasn’t alone myself,” Vettel said.