Two legends of the same name went head-to-head in the 'Champion of Champions' grand finale at the 2022 Race of Champions, capping off a memorable event with a close battle for the title.
Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team driver Sebastian Vettel took on World Rally Championship legend Sébastien Loeb for top honours in Sweden, with the latter emerging victorious.
The Race of Champions is an annual, two-day event that pits the best drivers and riders from a variety of racing disciplines head-to-head in an array of identical machines.
Sebastian showed his skill and tenacity to adapt to driving in icy conditions, first by reaching the Nations' Cup quarter-final in a straight knockout system as ROC forwent the traditional group stage.
Alongside Mick Schumacher, the duo represented Team Germany as the only active F1 drivers in an event that featured the best of the best from series such as the WRC, NASCAR and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The German pair defeated Team eROC All Stars 3-1 to secure a quarter-final match-up with the USA, suffering a narrow defeat to Jimmie Johnson and Colton Herta on countback of fastest lap times.
While there would be no team glory, Sebastian was able to use his experience to stage a bid to win the individual 'Champion of Champions' crown.
To reach the final, Sebastian had to overcome a field of 18 drivers, taking victories against W Series runner-up Emma Kimilainen and IndyCar rising star Herta on the racing driver side of the draw.
It was then a showdown with Mr Le Mans himself, Tom Kristensen, to decide the semi-final, with Sebastian storming to a 2-0 victory in a best of three to seal a showdown with Loeb, who came out on top of the rally driver side of the knockout stages.
After an incredible day of racing, it was nine-time WRC champion Loeb who came out on top, using his experience of the conditions to defeat his namesake 3-1.
I felt I was improving every time I drove. That's a good sign, but also a sign that I still have a lot to learn.
After an incredible day of racing, it was nine-time WRC champion Loeb who came out on top, using his experience of the conditions to defeat his namesake 3-1.
"Sébastien was just too fast today," said Sebastian. "The conditions were tricky out there and it was getting more and more slippery, which I guess is normal for snow and ice!
“I don't have that much experience, so it was a struggle to adapt; in my day job, getting sideways is what we try to avoid.
"But I felt I was improving every time I drove. That's a good sign, but also a sign that I still have a lot to learn.
"I knew the final was a big stretch and I maybe pushed too hard, but I knew I had to go for it to be close to Seb. l made mistakes here and there, so in these conditions, I have a bit of catching up to do.
"We've missed two years of the Race of Champions, so it's great to be back and to have a sense of normality.
"I've really enjoyed coming here on a different surface and it's special to be on [ROC organiser] Fredrik [Johnsson]'s home soil.
"It's great to have the fans back too and I'm impressed to see so many people in the crowds. I don't know how they can stand the cold and the wind in their face, but they seemed happy and up for it!
"I hope we can come back to Sweden again."
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