Axed F1 star joins STELLAR line-up as racing return confirmed

An image of Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas — Photo: © IMAGO

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Axed F1 star joins STELLAR line-up as racing return confirmed

A number of F1 stars will be returning to the track for this event ahead of the Australian Grand Prix

Kerry Violet F1 News Editor

F1 editor and journalist covering motorsport since 2024.

Thursday 13 February 2025 22:42

An axed Formula 1 star has been confirmed for a return to the track, with his latest career move seeing him join an already stellar lineup.

The 2025 F1 campaign is set to open with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, but despite the 24-race season approaching fast, there is a lot of anticipation building around a different racing event.

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Just one week before the first F1 race weekend of 2025, many stars of the track, both past and present, will be heading to Sydney to take part in an exciting motorsport event.

The 2025 Race of Champions will take place in Sydney on March 7 and March 8 at the Accor Stadium, and will see drivers from a variety of disciplines such as F1, WEC and Nascar race against each other in the ultimate test of raw talent.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has already been announced in the lineup for the 33rd edition of the event, along with Red Bull star David Coulthard, and now, an F1 star who was dropped in 2024 has also joined the lineup.

David Coulthard and Sebastian Vettel will both be competing in the 2025 Race of Champions

Valtteri Bottas has returned to his former F1 team Mercedes for 2025

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Bottas revealed as latest ROC signing

Another driver who will be competing in the star-studded event is Valtteri Bottas, who, having been dropped by Sauber in 2024, is now out of a full-time F1 seat.

Instead, Bottas has been welcomed back to his former Mercedes family with open arms as their test and reserve driver for 2025.

The 35-year-old will get to show off his racing prowess in Sydney ahead of the F1 season as he represents Finland alongside former F1 star and fellow countryman Heikki Kovalainen.

In an announcement via social media, the Race of Champions account revealed that Bottas would be joining the lineup, with a callback to his iconic Mercedes team orders radio message as the caption: "Hi race fans, it's Valtteri."