Vettel and Hakkinen first to sign up for 2023 RoC

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Sebastian Vettel will kick off his retirement from F1 by taking part once again in next January's Race of Champions event where the German will be joined by – among others – fellow multiple F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen.

Like last winter, the RoC will take place in Pite Havsbad, Sweden on a dedicated ice and snow circuit located just 100 kilometers form the Arctic Circle. The event scheduled on January 28/29, 2023.

While Vettel and Hakkinen are the first confirmed participants, other competitors should include W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, and rally and rallycross stars Petter and Oliver Solberg and Johan Kristofferson.

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"I can’t think of a better place for my first race after I retire from Formula 1 than the Race of Champions," said Vettel, a long-time participant in the event and a former winner.

"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 Sebastien 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."

As for Hakkinen, the former McLaren driver experienced the RoC for the first time this year and is looking forward to competing once again in the event.

"I made my first appearance at the Race of Champions earlier this year and I’m delighted to be coming back again," said the two-time F1 world champion.

"This event has a great atmosphere, it’s fantastic to meet up with so many great drivers and everyone in the organisation does a great job.

"I’ve done the Arctic Rally a few times, so I have at least driven on ice before. Here’s hoping that can help me out this time…"

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.