Former sponsor muted on Bottas crude radio outburst

©Mercedes

Antti Aarnio-Wihuri, a former long-standing personal sponsor of Valtteri Bottas, was mum on whether he was the target of the Mercedes driver's crude post-race radio message in Melbourne.

After delivering a flawless performance and lights-to-flag win last Sunday, Bottas felt the urge to address his critics with an off-color outburst.

"To whom it may concern, f*** you!" quipped the Finn on his cool-down lap.

Hakkinen: Bottas performance delivered 'psychological boost'

At the end of last season, after a winless and disappointing campaign, Bottas was dressed down by an abundant amount of critics.

But the loss of personal sponsor Wihuri, whose founder had labeled the Mercedes driver as "quite weak" in 2018, likely inflicted a painful wound on the 29-year-old.

"I'm not touching Bottas' comments," Aarnio-Wihuri told Ilta Sanomat newspaper when asked if he had felt targeted by the Finn's radio rant.

"His comments are his own and I don't take a position on them."

Aarnio-Wihuri appeared to have mixed feelings about the outcome of the Australian Grand Prix. admitting to not being surprised by Bottas' win but also taking a dig at his achievement.

"I'm not surprised, I knew Mercedes cars were in good shape," he said before taking a dig at his former driver's achievement.

"Hamilton's car had a technical defect from the start!"

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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.