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Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas lead Race of Champions in New Zealand
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel and current F1 driver Valtteri Bottas are among the first confirmed entries for the landmark event in Wellington.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-09-16T14:10:58.000Z - 3 min read
The Race of Champions has announced its first wave of drivers for a historic milestone next year, marking the event's debut visit to New Zealand. Organisers have confirmed that the upcoming competition will take place on a purpose-built tarmac circuit constructed inside Hnry Stadium in Wellington. The unique exhibition brings together elite competitors from various disciplines to race head-to-head in identical machinery, offering a spectacle quite unlike standard motorsport championships. Among the initial lineup are high-profile figures from the pinnacle of single-seater racing, headlined by a decorated former world champion who is no stranger to the annual showdown.
Sebastian Vettel, who secured four consecutive world titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, stands as the most prominent name in the early announcements. The German veteran has maintained a remarkably consistent presence at the end-of-season gathering, contesting all but two editions of the competition since his debut in 2007. Beyond his numerous appearances, Vettel boasts a stellar record at the event, having claimed the individual champion crown once in 2015 alongside seven victories in the Nations Cup. Six of those team triumphs came consecutively while partnering with Michael Schumacher, cementing a legendary partnership in the event's history.
Reflecting on how the venue came to be chosen, Vettel revealed that his casual remark during a prior visit helped plant the seed for the trip to Oceania. Before competing in Sydney, the German visited New Zealand and was profoundly struck by the landscape, prompting him to jokingly ask organisers if they could bring the next edition there. Now, that offhand conversation has transformed into a concrete fixture on the calendar. Vettel expressed genuine enthusiasm about returning to the region, noting his eagerness to test himself against global champions and explore more of the country when January arrives.
Joining Vettel on the early entry list is Valtteri Bottas, who is set to make his third career appearance at the prestigious year-end competition. The Finnish driver, currently associated with Cadillac, praised the format for its unique appeal and fan-friendly nature. Bottas highlighted the distinct opportunity to pilot diverse types of cars on an identical track layout alongside peers from completely different racing backgrounds. For the veteran racer, the fixture also serves as an ideal outlet to stay sharp during the competitive off-season while enjoying an energetic stadium atmosphere.
Rounding out the initial four-driver announcement are two notable stars representing the peak of domestic and international rallying disciplines. 2025 Supercars champion Chaz Mostert and World Rally Championship event winner Hayden Paddon complete the early roster confirmed by event organisers. The inclusion of local hero Paddon and touring car powerhouse Mostert underscores the multidisciplinary ethos that has defined the contest since its inception decades ago. Bringing together drivers from Formula 1, rallying, and touring cars creates a diverse competitive landscape designed to test adaptability over sheer familiarity with a single racing series.
The upcoming Wellington spectacle is scheduled to run on 9-10 January 2027, giving motorsport enthusiasts across the Southern Hemisphere a rare chance to witness world-class talent up close. As planning continues for the landmark trip to New Zealand, organisers are expected to reveal additional competitors in the coming months to flesh out the rest of the starting grid. For now, the early confirmations of Vettel and Bottas guarantee a strong Formula 1 presence as the event prepares to break new geographical ground.