Rand Norris has revealed that four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel plays a key role in supporting him in pursuing the Maiden F1 title.
After four rounds in 2025, Norris led the F1 driver’s standings three points ahead of McLaren’s teammate Oscar Piastri.
But with his own approval, it was a difficult start for Norris.
Norris is struggling to adapt to McLaren handling this year.
While he led the ranking, Piastri won two of the opening four races.
Bahrain Granpurin was Norris’ most disappointing performance.
He came in sixth and endured a poor race, eventually third behind George Russell.
In his struggle, Norris is unusually open about how difficult it is, leading to several questions that perhaps McLaren’s drivers are too honest in the general public.
Prior to the Saudi Grand Prix, Vettel defended Norris with his integrity, labeling the British as “real role models.”
When asked about Vettel’s comments on Thursday in Jeddah, Norris said: “I saw what Cebu said. Me and Cebu talk sometimes.
“I really love Cebu. He’s always helping me, texting me and sending me little notes that I’m grateful for so many, especially from someone like him. I think that definitely means something.”
Norris “works hard” to understand McLaren’s troubles.
Norris hopes to find a step in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
Historically, this was a weaker track for him compared to Piastri, who was better than him in 2023 and 2024.
“That’s what I and my team are working hard to try and understand,” Norris explained.
“It’s clear that things have changed since last year when I felt very comfortable, and that doesn’t allow me to do as good as I did this year’s work.
“I’m not doing a bad job, but I definitely can’t be at the level I should be and I want to be or be.
“I’m working so hard to deal with them. I tried to understand them.”