Vettel confirms first post-F1 plan

Sebastian Vettel will return to the Race of Champions in his first racing appearance after his F1 retirement.

The German announced ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix that he would leave F1 at the end of the season, bring an end to a career that brought four-world championships and 53 victories since 2007.

Vettel has been a long-time competitor at ROC and partnered seven-time champion Michael Schumacher to numerous successes for Team Germany in the Nations Cup.

The ROC returned to its rallying roots this year by travelling within 60 miles of the Arctic Circle at Pite Havsbad, although it marked the first snow and ice event in the event's history.

The venue will once again host the two-day event in 2023 on January 28-29.

Vettel said: “I can’t think of a better place for my first race after I retire from Formula 1 than the Race Of Champions.

"This will be my 11th appearance, and I keep coming back because it’s a special event, and so much fun.

"I don’t have much experience of racing on snow and ice so it made for a steep learning curve in Sweden earlier this year – and a very pleasant surprise to reach the individual final against Sébastien Loeb.

"Now I can’t wait to come back and give ROC-style ice racing another try and hopefully help Team Germany win another ROC Nations Cup title.”

Vettel will be joined by stars from across the motorsport world both past and present, with confirmed drivers so far including two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen and rallycross superstar Johan Kristofferson.

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