Bottas’ wild side faces a Mercedes makeover – but the mullet stays

Valtteri Bottas’ journey back to Mercedes has come with a slight dress code update – specifically, one that involves a little more clothing.

After a few years of embracing his inner Aussie larrikin, complete with a mullet, a mustache, and a penchant for baring it all, Bottas is returning to his former F1 team in 2025 as a reserve driver.

And while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insists the Finn should remain true to himself, certain aspects of his offbeat humor might need some, let’s say, fine-tuning.

“We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore,” Wolff told RacingNews365, shutting down any hope of a ‘Botass 2025’ sequel.

The original calendar, which featured the Finn posing nude in various artistic settings to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research, became a surprise hit, proving that F1 fans have a healthy appreciation for both philanthropy and Bottas’ well-toned rear end.

The Mullet Stays, but the Calendar Goes

Mercedes’ polished corporate image won’t curb all of Val’s quirks. Wolff has even given a rare seal of approval to one particular feature - Bottas' iconic mullet.

“If he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should,” the team principal said with a smile.

Bottas, who spent five seasons racing for Mercedes between 2017 and 2021, returns to the team after a three-year stint with Sauber.

While his time away didn’t yield championship glory, it did allow him to embrace a freer, more laid-back version of himself, indulging in his love for cycling with his better half, Tiffany Cromwell, coffee, and, evidently, nude swimming.

His newfound persona even made its way into Netflix’s Drive to Survive, where he bared all during an impromptu skinny dip.

A New Role as Reserve and Mentor

Now, as he steps back into the Mercedes garage, Bottas will take on a more structured role as a reserve driver, ready to step in for either George Russell or rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli should the need arise.

But beyond just being on standby, Bottas will also serve as a mentor to the young Italian, helping him navigate the high-pressure world of Formula 1.

“Part of the role of Valtteri will be to have a look on Kimi,” Wolff explained.

“Be there to coach, be there to have an eye on what’s happening on the track. And Kimi is going to learn from Valtteri and from George.”

Bottas’ experience and adaptability make him an ideal candidate for the job, having spent years as Lewis Hamilton’s loyal teammate and securing multiple wins in his time with Mercedes.

And while the Finnish driver has clearly embraced life outside of F1’s more buttoned-up environment, his return to Brackley suggests he’s still got unfinished business in the sport.

So while the Mercedes PR team can breathe easy knowing Bottas won’t be gracing any more risqué photoshoots under their banner, fans can rest assured that the man himself – mullet and all – will still bring his own unique flavor back to the Silver Arrows team.

After all, if there’s one thing F1 needs, it’s a little personality. And Bottas has proven he’s got that in spades – just maybe with his race suit zipped up this time.

Read also: Bottas set for Mercedes outing at Adelaide Motorsport Festival

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