A Formula 1 driver has been told he can’t make nude calendars after releasing one last year – but he is allowed to keep his ‘ugly mullet’. Valtteri Bottas has been a popular face on the F1 grid for over a decade, best known for his time as Sir Lewis Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes from 2017 to 2021. He won 10 grand prix during this period, helping the Silver Arrows secure five consecutive constructors’ titles.
After being dropped for George Russell, Bottas joined Alfa Romeo – now known as Sauber – but it was announced at the end of 2024that his contract would not be renewed after failing to score any points last season. Fortunately for him, the door isn’t completely closed on his F1 career; Mercedes re-signed him in December to act as their reserve driver behind Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Beyond the racing accolades, Bottas has earned admiration for his eccentric behavior off the track, typified by his distinctive blonde mullet and moustache. He famously exposed himself during the Netflix series Drive to Survive and later posted pictures of his nude swimming escapades on social media. Everything culminated last year when he released one of the year's most talked-about calendars titled 'Bottas 2024,' which managed to raise £121,000 for Prostate Cancer Research.
Despite the success of his nude calendar, fans hoping for another edition for 2025 are likely to be disappointed. At the recent announcement, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed he asked Bottas to tone down some of his antics. "We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore," he told RacingNews365. "So we’ve said this, but we need to keep him authentic. And if he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should!"
With Bottas now serving as the team’s reserve driver, he will be prepared to step up if either Russell or Antonelli is unable to race. Wolff expressed optimism about Bottas's role as a mentor for the young Antonelli as he begins his rookie season. The pressure is high for the 18-year-old, particularly as he replaces the retired Hamilton, who has made the move to Ferrari.
Wolff emphasized the importance of Bottas’s experience, noting, "Part of the role of Valtteri will be to keep an eye on Kimi, to coach and provide valuable insights on track. Kimi is going to learn from Valtteri and George."
The anticipation for the 2025 F1 season is palpable, with the Australian Grand Prix set to kick things off on March 16.
Bottas's return is filled with questions about how he will adapt to his new position and the responsibilities it entails. Although his comedic flair may be slightly restrained, his unique personality is still expected to shine through as he balances mentorship and performance on the track. The world will be watching this fan-favorite driver as he navigates both his career and personal quirks within the professional environment of F1.