Sebastian Vettel and David Coulthard will return to race in the 2019 edition of the Race of Champions event, which pitches drivers from multiple disciplines against one another in equal machinery to crown the Champion of Champions.
Four-time F1 World Champion and Ferrari driver Vettel has confirmed he will return, as will 13-time F1 race winner Coulthard – both of which have years of experience racing in the RoC – with next year's event taking place on January 19-20 inside the Foro Sol amphitheatre, which forms part of the Mexican F1 circuit.
Vettel made his RoC debut in 2007 where he partnered seven-time champion Michael Schumacher to claim the Nations' Cup for Team Germany. The pair held that title until 2012 with six consecutive victories. The German also took a lone Nations' Cup win last year in Miami when his partner, Pascal Wehrlein, was forced to withdraw.
Vettel was also crowned the Champion of Champions in 2015 at London's Wembley Stadium.
"I’m delighted to be coming back to the Race Of Champions, which has been a regular part of my racing life ever since I arrived in Formula 1. All the drivers who have the honour to participate in ROC fall in love with the event. That’s because it reminds us all about why we first started racing; pure competition in identical cars.
"Now ROC Mexico promises to be an amazing event in the spectacular Foro Sol, which is already a favourite for us F1 drivers and fans all over the world. I think this will be an ideal venue for the Race Of Champions, which has always been about making sure all the fans can see every corner of the action.
"The racing is intense on the track and everyone wants to win, but it’s also about putting on a great show for the fans, so we all look forward to showing everyone what we can do and of course I will do everything I can to win again!"
Reigning ROC Champion of Champions Coulthard is also looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and "showing the kids how it's done".
“It is an ongoing mystery why I’m still having so much success at the Race Of Champions when I’m up against drivers who are younger and more talented than me! But that’s the nature of the knockout system. I’m sure the law of averages will catch up with me soon, but until it does I’ll keep going out there and showing the kids how it’s done…
"Now that I’ve officially retired from racing, to be honest I’m always surprised when (ROC President) Fredrik Johnsson invites me. But I’m delighted when he does. The camaraderie with all the other drivers is special and the Race Of Champions is so much fun for drivers and fans. The stadium environment is what makes it special: you look down on the cars from the grandstands so it gives you a view you wouldn’t get in many venues. If anyone wants a reminder of why they enjoy motor sport, they should come along. I look forward to seeing you all in Mexico City in January."
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