The Race Of Champions has revealed the first four drivers who will participate in its first edition in New Zealand, which will take place at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington on January 9 and 10, 2027.
The group will be led by four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who has competed in almost every edition of the Race Of Champions since 2007, except on two occasions. The German driver has won the Nations’ Cup for six consecutive years, from 2007 to 2012, alongside Michael Schumacher, and in 2017 with Pascal Wehrlein.
Vettel has expressed his enthusiasm for competing in this event: ‘Before the ROC Sydney, I took a quick visit to New Zealand and was impressed by the beauty of the country, so I mentioned to the organizers that I would like the next ROC to be held here. I am very excited to compete with so many other champions in Wellington this January and have the chance to learn more about New Zealand.’
Another F1 driver announced is Valtteri Bottas, who has achieved ten GP victories and will participate in the event for the third time, now competing with Cadillac. The representation from other categories will include Chaz Mostert, 2025 Supercars champion, and New Zealander Hayden Paddon, winner of a WRC rally.
Paddon has emphasized the importance of the event for New Zealand and its fans: ‘It is amazing to see one of the most spectacular motorsport events coming to New Zealand for the first time. We are living in an optimal moment in the world of motorsport, and there is no better way to honor it than by hosting the Race Of Champions, which attracts some of the greatest stars in the world.’
Fans will have the opportunity to see F1, WRC, and other discipline drivers compete in equal machines at one of the most iconic stadiums in New Zealand.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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