Vettel rates Norris’ F1 title chances with Verstappen warning

Sebastian Vettel has backed Lando Norris to launch a competitive title challenge this year following his initial experience in a similar situation during 2024.

Norris leads the F1 standings after the opening two rounds of the current season, winning the season-opening event in Australia before bagging a second-place finish in China.

McLaren has started the season in strong fashion as it seeks to add a drivers' title to the constructors' championship it achieved last year.

Norris attempted to close down Max Verstappen's championship-leading advantage last year but the Dutchman prevailed to take his fourth F1 title, enduring some controversial on-track incidents with Norris along the way.

Vettel asserted Norris will learn from his experience with Verstappen last year as he warned the Red Bull driver can never be counted out of a title charge.

“He [Norris] has proven that he has what it needs,” Vettel told BBC Sportsworld. “He has the skill.

“He will probably have a stronger year this year because of the experiences collected last year. 

“At the minute, it looks like it's Max against 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.”

With the sport being in its final year of the current technical regulations, the grid is tightly contested - leaving the possibility of another contender joining the title fight, according to Vettel.

“Then we will see if we have another one, maybe Mercedes, come into the mix,” he said. “Ferrari is there. 

“So that's where the unknown lies this year with the teams being potentially much closer to each other.”