Lando Norris brands negative portrayals of Sebastian Vettel ‘crazy’

Michelle Foster
Sebastian Vettel laughing with Lando Norris. Bahrain March 2022

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel laughing with Lando Norris. Bahrain March 2022

Lando Norris says it is “just crazy” that some people see Sebastian Vettel in a negative light, whether that be for his antics on the track or his campaigning off it.

Vettel announced prior to the summer break that he was calling time on his Formula 1 career, the four-time World Champion retiring at the end of this season to spend more time with his family.

He will walk away from Formula 1 as a four-time World Champion and most likely still a 53-time grand prix winner but a figure who has at times divided the paddock.

While his run of four successive World titles and his finger celebration irked opposing teams’ fans, he also created a bit of internal conflict during his run with the infamous ‘Multi-21’ incident with Mark Webber.

 

What’s next for Sebastian Vettel?

Sebastian Vettel has plenty of offers on the table but he may choose to leave sport entirely and focus on off-track issues.

 

Of late he has also been criticised for his activism, detractors saying he should focus his attention on the track and keep his opinions to himself.

Norris, however, reckons Vettel is one of the good guys in this world.

“I don’t think enough people know how good Seb is just as a human, as a guy,” Norris said as per GPFans.

“His morals, his character and everything, he means so well in everything and is just so passionate in his job.

“And somehow people portray him in a bad way sometimes which if you know him well, you can never imagine he would do such a thing.

“But that’s just life. That’s what happens in the world nowadays. It’s just crazy.”

The McLaren driver applauded the 35-year-old, revealing that Vettel always has time for a chat even though they are rivals.

“Just as a person, he is always up for a chat or is always there to help and I guess maybe more so over the last few years since I’ve been in Formula 1,” he said.

“He’s not been fighting for World Championships and all that stuff so maybe he feels more open to speak to us, the younger generation, about things whatever it is with racing or life away from Formula 1.

“He’s always open for a chat which is always something you admire and have a lot of respect for. We’re also such big competitors at the same time.”

Vettel’s final race will be the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Aston Martin announcing Fernando Alonso as his replacement.

Alpine have yet to sort out who will be driving in the Spaniard’s place next season.