The Race of Champions is one of motorsport’s most popular annual events, with a healthy presence of Formula 1 drivers past and present every year – and 2023 is no exception.
This time around, the Race of Champions heads to the Pite Havsbad region of northern Sweden for a thrilling test of the riders’ abilities on snow and ice – foreign terrain for those who have spent their careers on the asphalt.
The Race of Champions Nations Cup will see teams of two compete for their country in a series of races on Saturday January 28, before the individual Race of Champions takes place on Sunday January 29.
And two former Formula 1 world champions have already been confirmed to take part, with now-retired Sebastian Vettel set to drive this weekend for the 11th time – no doubt looking to do better after being beaten in the final. from last year. edition of the event by rally legend Sébastien Loeb.
Vettel will be linked to the Germany team by Mick Schumacher for the second time, having driven alongside his father Michael in the event in years past.
The Finland squad also look pretty formidable, however, with two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen returning to the event once again and paired with a newcomer this time around, albeit a 10-time Grand Prix winner and the only current Formula 1 driver in the field at Valtteri Bottas.
Bottas was due to make his debut last yearbut had to pull out at the last minute and was replaced by W-series Emma Kimilainen for Team Finland.
The last former Formula 1 driver confirmed to race will be Race of Champions veteran David Coulthard, who will join three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick for Great Britain in his 15th appearance at the event.
Formula 2 champion and Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich will line up for Brazil, with several drivers yet to be confirmed for the event as it stands.
Last year’s Nations Cup champions were Norway, with father/son rally duo Petter and Oliver Solberg claiming the title, beating Americans Jimmie Johnson and Colton Herta to claim the top prize.
Confirmed participants in the Race of Champions 2023
Belgium team: Thierry Neuville
Brazil team: Felipe Drugovitch
Denmark team: Tom Christensen
Finland team: Valtteri Bottas and Mika Hakkinen
Germany team: Mick Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel
Great Britain team: Jamie Chadwick and David Coulthard
Norway team: Petter Solberg and Olivier Solberg
Sweden team: Johan Kristoffersson and Felix Rosenqvist
United States team: Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana
[Participant list correct as of 2 January 2023]
Read more: Where are they now? The 24 drivers who raced in F1 2003
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