WELLINGTON — Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel and current Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas are among the first drivers confirmed for the Race of Champions' historic first visit to New Zealand. The landmark event will be held in January on a purpose-built tarmac circuit inside Hnry Stadium in Wellington, marking the first time the competition has been staged in the country.
Vettel, the former Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin driver who won four consecutive world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, has contested all but two Race of Champions events since 2007. The German has won the individual crown once in 2015 and seven times as part of the Nations' Cup, including six straight victories alongside Michael Schumacher. "Before ROC Sydney I went for a first quick visit to New Zealand and was blown away by the beauty of the country, so I told the organisers jokingly, 'Can you please bring the next ROC to New Zealand?'," Vettel said. "I am really looking forward to competing against so many other champions from across the globe at the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January, and getting a chance to visit more of New Zealand."
Bottas will make his third appearance at the Race of Champions. "Race Of Champions is such a special and exciting event and I'm so happy that it's back again," the Cadillac driver said. "I can't wait to compete in Wellington, New Zealand, with all the other drivers from different categories, racing on the same track, in different types of cars, which makes ROC really spectator friendly. ROC New Zealand is going to be another exciting race with great atmosphere both for us drivers and the fans. Also personally I feel it's really good to drive something during the off-season and there is no better place to do it than at ROC, so I'm really looking forward to January!"
The early entry list is completed by two other confirmed drivers from outside Formula 1. 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert and WRC rally winner Hayden Paddon have also been announced for the January event in Wellington, joining Vettel and Bottas as the first four names for the New Zealand debut.