Stars Align For Debut Race Of Champions In New Zealand...

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The Race Of Champions has revealed the first four drivers for its debut event in New Zealand, scheduled for 9-10 January 2027 at Wellington's Hnry Stadium.

Leading the lineup is four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who has participated in nearly every Race Of Champions event since 2007. The German driver claimed the Nations’ Cup six consecutive times from 2007 to 2012 with Michael Schumacher, and again in 2017 with Pascal Wehrlein; he also won the main competition in London in 2015.

“Before ROC Sydney, I had a brief visit to New Zealand and was amazed by the country's beauty, so I jokingly asked the organizers, ‘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 around the world at the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January, and getting a chance to explore more of New Zealand.” Valtteri Bottas, a current F1 driver and 10-time grand prix winner now racing for backmarker Cadillac, has also been announced for the event, marking his third participation. Other series will be represented by 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert, who debuted at the Race Of Champions the same year in Australia, and New Zealand's Hayden Paddon, a one-time WRC rally winner.

“It’s incredible to see one of the world’s most spectacular motorsport events come to New Zealand for the first time,” Paddon said. “New Zealand is experiencing a golden age of motorsport across various disciplines, and I can't think of a more fitting celebration than hosting the Race Of Champions, which attracts many of the biggest stars from around the globe.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Kiwi motorsport fans to get up close and personal with drivers from F1, WRC, circuit racing, and other motorsport forms, all competing in equal machinery at one of New Zealand’s most famous sports stadiums. It’s a historic event for many reasons, and I’m personally incredibly proud to be part of it.”