There will be no more ‘Valtteri Bottas nude calendars’ following his return to Mercedes but he will keep his signature mullet hairstyle.
As the Finnish racing driver prepares to return to Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 F1 season, team principal Toto Wolff has laid down some ground rules regarding his extracurricular activities, particularly the infamous Bottas nude calendar.
Valtteri Bottas’ journey in F1 has been marked by several changes both personally and professionally. He previously drove for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021 spent the last three seasons with Sauber where he embraced a more relaxed and humorous persona.
This came after the 10-time F1 race winner found love with Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell following divorce with his ex-wife Emilia Pikkarainen in 2019.
Their relationship has played a crucial role in shaping Bottas’s current persona; he has become more open about his life outside racing, sharing moments of levity and vulnerability with fans.
This is evident in his social media presence, where he frequently posts lighthearted content, including humorous videos and candid snapshots. The most popular was showing off his bare backside during an episode of Netflix’s hit Drive to Survive series, and then once again on Instagram.
Known for his quirky antics and social media presence, the 35-year old gained huge attention for his “Botass 2024” calendar, which featured a series of provocative images aimed at raising funds for prostate cancer research.
With a following of 4.7 million on Instagram, the Bottas nude calendar was a hit among fans and showcased his willingness to step outside the traditional confines of a Formula 1 driver’s image.
However, with his return to Mercedes Toto Wolff has made it clear that such displays of self-expression will not be tolerated under the Silver Arrows banner.
In an interview Wolff stated: “We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore. So we’ve said that, but we need to keep him authentic.”
The decision to rein in Bottas’ more extravagant endeavors comes as no surprise given Mercedes’ reputation as one of the most successful and high-profile teams in Formula 1.
The team has historically maintained a polished public image, and Wolff’s comments suggest that they are keen on preserving this standard.
Nevertheless, the team boss did express there is still room for Bottas to maintain elements of his individuality by giving some leniency to his signature mullet hairstyle, humorously stating: “If he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should.”
Bottas’ return to Mercedes for 2025 F1 is not just about adhering to team protocols; it also carries huge responsibilities. One of his primary roles will be mentoring rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as he transitions into Formula 1 after moving up from Formula 2.
Wolff highlighted this mentorship aspect by stating that part of Bottas’ role will involve coaching Antonelli and helping him acclimate to the demands of F1 racing.
“Part of the role of Valtteri will be to have a look on Kimi,” the 53-year-old 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.”
This responsibility underscores his experience and knowledge gained during his previous tenure with Mercedes, where he achieved notable success.
Fans have elicited mixed reactions on Wolff’s directives to drop Bottas nude calendar. While some support the team’s desire to maintain a professional image, others have criticized the team boss for attempting to suppress Bottas’ fun-loving personality and personal expression.
Social media comments like “Toto… WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” illustrate the frustration among supporters who appreciate Bottas’ lighthearted approach to life both on and off the track.
