It's been a long winter for Valtteri Bottas 3.0

©Mercedes

As winter breaks go in Formula 1, Valtteri Bottas' off season has apparently been lingering for far too long.

On Tuesday, Mercedes posted on Twitter a short film in which Bottas is seen arriving at Brackley, fresh out of hibernation and sporting a beard long enough to trip over!

From technical briefings to training sessions, the Finn more or less contends with his new 'hairodynamic' look, a harbinger it is suggested for Bottas 3.0!

Whether the updated version of the 30-year-old Mercedes driver can consistently trounce this year his teammate - the formidable Lewis Hamilton - remains to be seen.

But Valtt-hairy is determined to give it his all!

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.