F1 driver Bottas pulls out of 2022 Race of Champions

Along with fellow F1 drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher, the Finn was set to take part in this weekend’s event, which is being held on a snow and ice course in Sweden. 

Bottas has been replaced in Team Finland’s line-up by W Series race winner Emma Kimilainen, who will now partner two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen in the Nations Cup. 

“Valtteri had commitments and a last-minute cancellation,” said Hakkinen. “I’m happy to have Emma, it’s going to be brilliant.”

Kimilainen, who was on a list of reserve drivers including two-time DTM champion Timo Scheider, added: “It’s an honour to be here. He’s [Hakkinen] my childhood hero! 

“I was just talking with his kids and remembering when I was their age, watching every Sunday when their was F1 on, watching him racing and winning titles.”

The 2022 Race of Champions kicks off on Saturday with the Nations Cup, before the individual Race of Champions takes place on Sunday. 

Bottas had originally been drawn against Vettel in Sunday’s individual event