While F1 rests, Bottas pedals into a world championship

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Somewhere in the Czech Republic last weekend, while the F1 paddock was busy elsewhere doing absolutely nothing, Valtteri Bottas decided true relaxation meant grinding through 131km of dirt, gravel and woodlands.

Joining partner and Olympic cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, the fast-rolling Finn took 5th place in the Men’s 35–39 category in Hlinsko, earning himself a ticket to the UCI Gravel World Championship.

Cadillac’s inaugural 2026 campaign hasn’t yielded points yet – Bottas’s best finish being 13th in China, alongside teammate Sergio Perez’s 14th-place efforts. So, if the car won’t do the mileage, he will.

The ten-time Grand Prix winner poked fun at his F1 colleagues’ luxurious breaks on Instagram:

"Whilst the others are relaxing on their boats. 131km UCI Gravel World Series @ Hlinsko. Finished 5th in Men 35-39, and qualified for the gravel world champs.

“Thank you for the huge support on the tough course yesterday. Loved it! Always nice to explore events like this together with Tiffany Cromwell."

Forget horse power. For Val, the summer break is all about pedal power!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.