How Vettel prepared for icy Race of Champions in an unusual way

Sebastian Vettel proved to be the most successful F1 driver at the 2022 Race of Champions event, and it sounds like he was also one of the most dedicated when it came to preparing for the snowy and icy conditions.

The German was seen going for a run each morning of the four-day challenge, wearing shorts and a T-shirt despite the sub-zero temperatures of Pite Havsbad in Sweden. He additionally volunteered to swim in the sea after a hole was cut in the ice by organisers.

"I didn't bring a lot to wear," Vettel joked to The Race in regards to his unusual running gear. "But I like the cold anyways.

"We all have something, we are a bit weird. We miss some brain cells."

Vettel wasn't entirely alone in his endeavours, as IndyCar driver Jimmie Johnson joined him for a run on the third morning, though the American opted to wear thermals for the outing.

Vettel open to more off-road racing after Race of Champions

After struggling during the Nations Cup on Saturday, Vettel put in a strong performance during Sunday's individual Champion of Champions, and was the only Formula 1 driver not to be knocked out at the first rounds.

The four-time World Champion managed to reach the final, where he went head-to-head with rally driver Sebastien Loeb. It was ultimately Loeb who came out on top, but Vettel still looked impressive in the inclement weather conditions.

Vettel - a veteran of the Race of Champions - enjoyed the experience and is open to trying more off-road racing in the future

"Very much like Formula 1 or in any category, there's a lot of work behind the scenes, doing your pace notes and getting all the information you can, the same with us preparing the race and the analysis after," he explained.

"The sport progresses and there's more to it than just driving which is also a challenge. So, for sure it's not easy to just jump into it and be very good at it.

"You need the time and experience but if somebody is willing to give me a shot and a chance and has a lot of time, I'm happy to look at it.

"I think it's something that is as a driver very satisfying, to play with the car and to have more margin. Normally when the car steps out you correct it immediately and you've lost a bit of time.

"Here I think there's much more grey. You are sideways, maybe the timing's a little bit off but you can correct it.

"Of course, you need to get into that really small window to be perfect. And you saw the difference! But it's definitely something I enjoy."

Vettel will soon be back at work in his day job when Aston Martin launch their new F1 car on 10 February.