Vettel believes in Lando Norris’ title: « He has the skills »
Sebastien Vettel hails Lando Norris's progress, leading the drivers'championship after two races. While the former world champion believes in the British driver's skills, he also warns of a tight title battle between Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.
Lando Norris is leading the Formula 1 World Championship for the first time in his career. With a victory in Australia and a second place in China, the Briton has shown impressive form at the start of the season. McLaren, who already secured the constructors’ title in 2024, now appears ready to chase the drivers’ crown. But be careful: Max Verstappen is still very much in the game, and Sebastian Vettel reminds us that the four-time reigning world champion should never be underestimated.
Vettel backs Norris, but warns Verstappen won’t give up
Sebastian Vettel knows what it means to fight for a title. Speaking to BBC Sportsworld, the German expressed confidence in Norris’s chances this year: « He has shown that he has what it takes. » The experience gained in 2024, where Norris tried to challenge Verstappen‘s dominance, could be a major asset. « He’ll probably have a better year this year because of what he learned last season. »
But even if the Briton has stepped up his game, Verstappen remains a real threat. Vettel warns: « At the moment, it looks like it’s Max versus Lando, naturally, because McLaren is so strong and Lando has gained so much experience. Max is never to be ruled out, and I think Red Bull will bounce back. » Norris has improved and has a strong car, but against a fired-up Verstappen and a Red Bull team looking for redemption, the fight for the title is just beginning.
Last year, the title battle was mainly between Norris and Verstappen. But in 2025, the field is closer than ever. Mercedes is in the mix, and Ferrari could well come back into play. Vettel highlights this: « Then we’ll see if there’s another one, maybe a Mercedes, to join the battle. »
The four-time world champion emphasizes the uncertainty hovering over this season: « That’s where the unknown lies this year, with teams potentially much closer to one another. » One thing is certain: Norris won’t only have to beat Verstappen; he’ll also have to keep an eye on the Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, and on a possible resurgence from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The pressure of a first title
Being championship leader is one thing. Staying there until the end is another. And this is exactly where Norris will have to prove he has what it takes to fight for the title over a full season. On the other side, Verstappen knows exactly how to manage an F1 campaign and won’t give anything away. « He has the skills, » Vettel repeats, confident in Norris‘s ability to handle the pressure. But he also adds a warning: Red Bull will fight back.
If McLaren keeps up its momentum, the Briton could well go after that long-awaited first title. But beware — nothing is decided yet. The deck can be reshuffled at any time, and Verstappen certainly won’t give up his throne without a fight.
