Race of Champions will break new ground in 2027 as it heads to New Zealand for the very first time. The event is set for January 9-10 at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, and the entry list already boasts star power, including Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas.
While ROC has visited Oceania before, those editions were held in Australia. Now New Zealand gets its turn, bringing the unique head-to-head format to a passionate motorsport market. As always, drivers will battle in identical cars on an all-asphalt course, where pure skill decides the winner.
Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, revealed a personal connection to the host nation. “Before the ROC in Sydney, I made a short first visit to New Zealand and was blown away by the beauty of the country,” he said. “So, jokingly, I asked the organizers if they could bring the next edition of 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 New Zealand better.” Vettel is a former ROC Champion of Champions (2015) and has seven ROC Nations Cup victories to his name.
Bottas, now racing for Cadillac, is equally eager. “The Race of Champions is a truly special and exciting event, and I’m delighted it’s back on the calendar,” said the Finn. “I can’t wait to race in Wellington, New Zealand, alongside drivers from different categories: competing on the same track and in different cars makes ROC a really engaging event for the public. ROC in New Zealand will offer another exciting race, with a great atmosphere for both us drivers and the fans. Personally, I think it’s fantastic to be able to drive during the off-season, and there’s no better place to do it than the ROC; so I’m looking forward to January!”
Local hero Hayden Paddon is also confirmed. The New Zealand rally star recently finished second in WRC’s Rally Paraguay, and his presence is sure to electrify the home crowd at Hnry Stadium. Paddon’s participation adds a compelling storyline: a Kiwi taking on global superstars on home soil.
ROC has long been a unique melting pot where drivers from Formula 1, rally, and other disciplines collide in a knockout format. Identical machinery, no team tactics, no tire strategy—just raw speed and racecraft. That’s why the event remains a must-watch during the off-season.
With Wellington as host, the 2027 edition could be one of the most spectacular in years. New Zealand’s motorsport culture runs deep, and the lineup of Vettel, Bottas, and Paddon guarantees attention. Mark your calendars: January 9-10, 2027, is going to be big.
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