Valtteri Bottas’ journey again to Mercedes has include a slight gown code replace – particularly, one which entails a little bit extra clothes.
After just a few years of embracing his internal Aussie larrikin, full with a mullet, a mustache, and a penchant for baring all of it, Bottas is returning to his former F1 crew in 2025 as a reserve driver.
And whereas Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insists the Finn ought to stay true to himself, sure facets of his offbeat humor may want some, let’s say, fine-tuning.
“We’re Mercedes, so perhaps the nude calendar is just not on anymore,” Wolff advised RacingNews365, shutting down any hope of a ‘Botass 2025’ sequel.
The unique calendar, which featured the Finn posing nude in numerous creative settings to boost funds for Prostate Most cancers Analysis, turned a shock hit, proving that F1 followers have a wholesome appreciation for each philanthropy and Bottas’ well-toned rear finish.
The Mullet Stays, however the Calendar Goes
Mercedes’ polished company picture received’t curb all of Val’s quirks. Wolff has even given a uncommon seal of approval to 1 explicit characteristic – Bottas‘ iconic mullet.
“If he needs to maintain the ugly mullet, then he ought to,” the crew principal stated with a smile.
Bottas, who spent 5 seasons racing for Mercedes between 2017 and 2021, returns to the crew after a three-year stint with Sauber.
Whereas his time away didn’t yield championship glory, it did permit him to embrace a freer, extra laid-back model of himself, indulging in his love for biking along with his higher half, Tiffany Cromwell, espresso, and, evidently, nude swimming.
His newfound persona even made its means into Netflix’s Drive to Survive, the place he bared all throughout an impromptu skinny dip.
A New Function as Reserve and Mentor
Now, as he steps again into the Mercedes storage, Bottas will tackle a extra structured position as a reserve driver, able to step in for both George Russell or rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli ought to the necessity come up.
However past simply being on standby, Bottas will even function a mentor to the younger Italian, serving to him navigate the high-pressure world of Components 1.
“A part of the position of Valtteri will likely be to take a look on Kimi,” Wolff defined.
“Be there to educate, be there to have a watch on what’s taking place on the observe. And Kimi goes to be taught from Valtteri and from George.”
Bottas’ expertise and flexibility make him an excellent candidate for the job, having spent years as Lewis Hamilton’s loyal teammate and securing a number of wins in his time with Mercedes.
And whereas the Finnish driver has clearly embraced life exterior of F1’s extra buttoned-up setting, his return to Brackley suggests he’s nonetheless obtained unfinished enterprise within the sport.
So whereas the Mercedes PR crew can breathe simple realizing Bottas received’t be gracing any extra risqué photoshoots below their banner, followers can relaxation assured that the person himself – mullet and all – will nonetheless carry his personal distinctive taste again to the Silver Arrows crew.
In any case, if there’s one factor F1 wants, it’s a little bit character. And Bottas has confirmed he’s obtained that in spades – simply perhaps along with his race swimsuit zipped up this time.
Learn additionally: Bottas set for Mercedes outing at Adelaide Motorsport Pageant
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