The Race of Champions will head to New Zealand for the first time in its history in January 2027, bringing some of motorsport’s biggest names to Wellington. Four-time Formula 1 world champion and former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel and Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas are among those confirmed for the event, which will take place on January 9 and 10 at Hnry Stadium.
The move means another Race of Champions edition will be held in Oceania, but this time away from Australia. Inside the Wellington stadium, drivers from different motorsport disciplines will compete head-to-head in identical cars on a fully asphalted circuit, placing the emphasis on driving ability rather than differences in machinery.
Race of Champions 2027 makes its New Zealand debut
The Wellington event represents a historic first for the Race of Champions, with New Zealand hosting the famous competition for the first time. The format will once again bring leading drivers together on equal machinery, creating direct head-to-head contests in which the competitors’ skill behind the wheel is intended to make the difference.
Among the headline names will be Sebastian Vettel, whose record in the competition already includes victory in the 2015 Champion of Champions event and seven Race of Champions Nations Cup successes. The former Ferrari driver has a long association with the competition, including his memorable 2017 Race of Champions appearance.
Local interest will also be represented by Hayden Paddon, who recently finished second in the WRC Rally Paraguay, while Valtteri Bottas adds another major Formula 1 name to the field.
Sebastian Vettel excited to return to New Zealand
Sebastian Vettel explained that his first brief visit to New Zealand before the Race of Champions in Sydney left a strong impression on him.
“Before the ROC in Sydney, I made my first brief visit to New Zealand and I was blown away by the beauty of the country. So, jokingly, I asked the organisers if they could bring the next edition of the ROC there. I can’t wait to race against so many other champions from around the world at the Race Of Champions in Wellington in January and to have the opportunity to discover more of New Zealand.”
The 2027 event will therefore give Sebastian Vettel another opportunity to compete against leading names from different disciplines in the unusual equal-car format that has become one of the defining characteristics of the Race of Champions.
Valtteri Bottas looking forward to Wellington Race of Champions
Valtteri Bottas is equally enthusiastic about the competition’s return and the opportunity to race in Wellington during the Formula 1 off-season.
“The Race of Champions is a really special and exciting event, and I’m delighted that it’s back on the calendar. I can’t wait to race in Wellington, New Zealand, alongside drivers from different categories: competing on the same track and behind the wheel of different cars makes the ROC a really engaging event for the public.”
Valtteri Bottas also expects the New Zealand edition to deliver another entertaining competition and a strong atmosphere for both the drivers and spectators.
“The ROC in New Zealand will provide another exciting race, with a great atmosphere for both us drivers and the fans. Personally, I also think it’s fantastic to be able to drive during the off-season, and there is no better place to do it than the ROC, so I’m really looking forward to January!”
With Sebastian Vettel, Valtteri Bottas and Hayden Paddon already among the participants, the Race of Champions will bring its distinctive head-to-head format to Wellington on January 9 and 10, 2027, as New Zealand prepares to host the competition for the first time.
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