F1 champion launches Lando Norris defence after 'weakness' criticism

Sebastian Vettel has thrown his support behind Lando Norris and the McLaren driver's often-criticised approach to his F1-mandated media duties.

The 25-year-old is known for being openly critical of himself in the press when he feels he has underperformed, with many feeling he is at times too hard on himself.

Over the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, his self-flagellation returned, admonishing his poor qualifying session by saying he was "clueless" behind the wheel of his McLaren and that he needs a "big reset" to rekindle his race-winning form.

However, Vettel finds the Briton's frank and honest manner refreshing to see, arguing Norris is a "real role model" for younger, more impressionable fans of F1.

"I think it's a positive development because we are normal people," the four-time F1 drivers' champion told Reuters. "We do have normal problems just like everybody else.

"Heroism is fine but it's also part of the heroism to just talk about your problems and your weakness. "I think that's a great development to see and to witness real role models."

Other former F1 drivers, such as Nico Rosberg, Jacques Villeneuve and Martin Brundle, have voiced their concern in the past over the affect Norris' mindset could have not only on his performance on track, but also the McLaren driver more personally.

However, Vettel maintains that in the "broader picture" it is a positive development, regardless of how it is received now.

"I don't think it's a sign of weakness. It might be criticised by some people, but if you look at the broader picture, I think it's just progress."

Norris himself has dismissed the suggestion he cannot separate his comments in the media with his own private thoughts, in doing so rejecting the notion that it bleeds into his results in F1.