Wellington to Host Historic First Race of Champions in New Zealand for 2027
- New Zealand will host the Race of Champions for the first time on January 9–10, 2027, bringing global motorsport stars to Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
- Organizers have confirmed an initial driver lineup featuring four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, 10-time Formula 1 race winner Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars Champion Chaz Mostert, and...
- Prior to ROC Sydney, my initial brief trip to New Zealand left me completely amazed by its landscape, prompting me to playfully ask the organizers if they could...
New Zealand will host the Race of Champions for the first time on January 9–10, 2027, bringing global motorsport stars to Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
The two-day summer event will transform the Wellington venue’s turf into a purpose-built tarmac circuit where elite drivers from Formula 1, World Rally, Supercars, and other disciplines compete in identical vehicles, ensuring that only driver skill decides the winner.
Star Drivers Confirmed for Wellington Debut
Organizers have confirmed an initial driver lineup featuring four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, 10-time Formula 1 race winner Valtteri Bottas, 2025 Supercars Champion Chaz Mostert, and New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon, with additional competitors scheduled for announcement prior to the January 2027 event.
Vettel, a 7-time ROC Nations Cup Champion and the 2015 individual Champion of Champions, noted his excitement to return following a brief visit to the country.
Prior to ROC Sydney, my initial brief trip to New Zealand left me completely amazed by its landscape, prompting me to playfully ask the organizers if they could please bring the next ROC to New Zealand. In January, I eagerly anticipate racing against numerous other international champions at the Race Of Champions in Wellington while also taking the opportunity to explore more of New Zealand.
Seeing one of the premier motorsport spectacles on the planet arrive in New Zealand for the very first time is truly incredible. With New Zealand currently experiencing a booming golden age of motorsport spanning many different categories, I can imagine no more perfect way to honor this than hosting the Race Of Champions, an event that draws countless elite global stars.
Hayden Paddon
Government Backing and Venue Logistics
The event receives backing from the New Zealand Government via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through its one-off Events Attraction Package, designed to draw domestic and international visitors during the summer season, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
WellingtonNZ has partnered with the event to integrate the competition into the regional summer program. Warrick Dent of Hnry Stadium stated that hosting the competition requires converting the stadium turf into a full tarmac race circuit, demonstrating the multi-purpose venue’s capacity to stage major international events.
Established in 1988, the Race of Champions pits drivers against each other on a parallel track layout. Past editions have featured competitors such as Lando Norris, Valentino Rossi, Fernando Alonso, David Coulthard, Mika Häkkinen, Sébastien Loeb, and Michael and Mick Schumacher.
