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The return of four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel to competitive racing could be a highly thrilling development for the motorsport world. Away from F1 since his 2022 retirement, Vettel announced his involvement in the 2025 ROC on March 7-8 at Accor Stadium in Sydney. It would mark the ROC’s first outing in the Southern Hemisphere, with extra spice around this event.
Vettel will partner with Mick Schumacher, son of the great Michael Schumacher, as Germany look to conquer the ROC Nations Cup. The Vettel-Schumacher partnership is on for the ages at the ROC, with six successive Nations Cup victories coming for Germany between 2007 and 2012. The two will reunite in Sydney in an attempt to continue the winning tradition.
Speaking on his return, Vettel said, “I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Race Of Champions and teaming up with Mick again. Sydney is a great venue, and I’m excited about the prospect of racing in front of Aussie fans again.”
Current FIA World Endurance Championship driver and Mercedes’ Formula 1 reserve driver, Mick Schumacher said: “Australia is one of my favourite places, and representing Germany together with Sebastian at ROC Sydney will for sure be big fun.”
What makes ROC unique is that it brings together the cream of drivers from various motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1, World Rally Championship, and NASCAR, who compete on a parallel track In identical cars. This kind of setup emphasizes pure driving skills, eliminating variables like car performance and team strategy.
The 2025 event boasts an all-star lineup, including the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Travis Pastrana, and Jamie Whincup, among others, to promise a weekend of high-octane competition.
Adding further prestige to the event, Pirelli has been announced as the official tyre supplier for the 2025 ROC. “The Race Of Champions is a unique event because it sees drivers from very different disciplines compete on equal terms, highlighting their talent and providing a very exciting show,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director.
Vettel’s comeback to racing has set tongues wagging on a full-time return. He reportedly contacted top Formula 1 teams for a seat in the 2025 season, with Mercedes, Alpine, Racing Bulls, and Sauber still having seats open.
The presence of Vettel, joined by Mick Schumacher, at the 2025 Race of Champions is no doubt going to be one of the moments the motorsport community is really looking forward to, mixing in nostalgia with the highest level of racing. Fans worldwide will also be keenly watching whether this event signals the next chapter of Vettel’s illustrious career.
