Formula 1 drivers become household names due to their exploits on the track. Naturally, fans build a certain affinity with their favorite drivers. That being said, the unfortunate truth about sports and especially F1 is the lack of longevity. It’s no secret that Formula 1 drivers have a short shelf life. Don’t let Fernando Alonso fool you into believing otherwise! But it’s always an exciting prospect for fans to see their favorite drivers, who may not race in F1 anymore, don their racing helmets once again and put on a show! Sebastian Vettel and Mika Hakkinen are just about to do this!

Fans are in for a delightful trip down memory lane when F1 retirees Vettel and Hakkinen will race at the Race of Champions in 2023. The event will be held on the 28th and the 29th of January in Sweden.

Race of Champions is essentially an “annual event [that] brings together the world’s finest drivers from all the disciplines of competition – on four wheels and two – and sets them free to battle, head-to-head, on the very same track in the very same car.”

While Vettel will partner up with friend and past rival Mick Schumacher, Hakkinen will be teammates with Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas. While the news of Vettel partnering with Schumacher junior has already geed the fans up, this blockbuster pairing of Bottas and Hakkinen has finally piqued the interest of all F1 fans.

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Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions to this epic news!

Fans react as Sebastian Vettel, Mick Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, and Valtteri Bottas set to appear at ROC 2023

Both Bottas and Hakkinen will be racing for team Finland. There have been quite a few flying Finns in Formula 1 in the past, but this duo is sure to set the snow of Sweden alight with their blistering pace. As soon as Motorsport.com took to their Instagram handle to share the final list of teams, F1 fans swarmed the social media platform to share their reactions.

One fan commented, “Team Finland wibs and the interview will be gold.” While another said, “Finland deadly.” Another posted, “Team Finland looking quick.” 

According to many fans, the Finns have a strong chance at victory. “A Scandinavian country probably gonna take it. They are built for this. USA also has a strong lineup, and same with Germany and France so could be tough to see who takes it because almost all of them are strong.”

But fans always want more. One fan voiced his wishes. “finland should be hakkinen and raikkonen.” Fans were also delighted to see the Vettel-Schumacher pairing back. “Smick is back!” But safe to say, all the attention was on team Finland, “Finland boutta go crazy”.

According to some fans, the venue may give some teams an advantage, “Lmao this is Scandinavia vs the rest of the world” But all said and done, fans were majorly rooting for the Bottas-Hakkinen and Vettel-Schumacher duos. “A bit partial to team Germany but also looking forward to seeing team Finland.”

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Who wins ROC 2023? Team Germany or Team Finland? Or do you have your money on someone else?