After three years of freedom from Mercedes’ company PR machine, Valtteri Bottas has returned to Brackley, however don’t count on the identical driver who left on the finish of 2021. Since parting methods with the Silver Arrows, Bottas has grown a mullet, embraced his internal comic, and even launched a viral nude calendar, all whereas changing into one among F1’s most entertaining personalities.
However together with his Mercedes comeback now official, Crew Principal Toto Wolff has laid down some floor guidelines—no extra nude calendars, however the mullet stays.
Bottas’ Wild Three-12 months Transformation—From Mercedes No. 2 to F1’s Funniest Star
Throughout his five-year stint at Mercedes, Bottas was usually overshadowed by Lewis Hamilton, filling the function of a loyal No. 2 driver. Each season, he would come again rejuvenated, able to problem Hamilton, however in the end, he was unable to mount a real title combat.
When George Russell changed him in 2022, Bottas landed at Alfa Romeo (now STAKE F1 Crew Sauber)—a transfer that took him out of podium competition however into a brand new period of self-expression.
???? Grew a mullet and mustache—immediately changing into F1’s most recognizable driver off-track.???? Grew to become a social media icon, sharing hilarious behind-the-scenes content material that made him a fan favourite.???? Launched a viral nude calendar—after his cheeky images went viral on Netflix’s Drive to Survive, he embraced the joke and turned it right into a charity fundraiser, producing $150,000.???? Created a “physique double” skit, the place a lookalike handles his each day chores, additional cementing his place as F1’s funniest driver.
For a sport recognized for stiff company PR, Bottas was a breath of recent air, displaying real persona whereas nonetheless competing on the highest stage.
However now, as he prepares to rejoin the Silver Arrows, the query is: Will Mercedes enable “Valtteri 3.0” to shine, or will the company restrictions return?
Mercedes Places the Brakes on Bottas’ Calendar Enterprise
Whereas Wolff appears open to letting Bottas hold his new persona, some issues are off the desk—specifically, the nude calendar enterprise.
“We’re Mercedes, so possibly the nude calendar is just not on anymore,” Wolff advised the media. “So, we’ve stated that, however we have to hold him genuine. And if he needs to maintain the ugly mullet, then he ought to.”
In different phrases—Mercedes can deal with the mullet, however not the mooning.
For followers who beloved Bottas’ unfiltered persona, this might imply a slight dialing again of his antics, however it’s unlikely he’ll ever return to the PR-friendly, impassive Bottas of his first Mercedes run.
Bottas’ New Function: Mentor or Security Internet for Antonelli?
Past his driving duties, Bottas will tackle an important new function—mentoring Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.
With Hamilton gone and Mercedes’ future hinging on Antonelli’s growth, Bottas is seen as a stabilizing drive inside the group.
“A part of the function of Valtteri will probably be to take a look at Kimi. [He’ll] be there to teach, be there to have an eye fixed on what’s occurring on the observe. And Kimi goes to be taught from Valtteri and from George.”
Whereas Antonelli is being hyped as the subsequent Verstappen, former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya believes that if the Italian struggles, Bottas may discover himself in a full-time seat prior to anticipated.
“If he doesn’t ship, that’s robust. My studying is that with Bottas, Mercedes could be overlaying their ass.”
That makes Bottas a security web, able to step in if Antonelli can’t deal with the strain of an F1 seat so early in his profession.
Can Bottas Assist Deliver Mercedes Again to Glory?
When Bottas left in 2021, Mercedes was nonetheless a dominant drive. However since then, the Silver Arrows have slipped behind Crimson Bull and even McLaren and Ferrari at instances.
Now, Bottas returns to a group in rebuilding mode, and whereas Russell is predicted to guide the cost, his function as mentor and potential backup driver might be extra helpful than folks notice.
His 5 seasons at Mercedes (2017-2021) have been crammed with group success, serving to the group win 5 consecutive Constructors’ Championships. Now, with Mercedes struggling, the hope is that Bottas can carry stability and expertise again to the storage.
Remaining Ideas: A Totally different Bottas Returns to Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas’ return to Mercedes is likely one of the most fascinating F1 storylines of 2025.
✔️ He’s not the company, PR-controlled No. 2 driver—he’s a fan-favorite, short-shorts-wearing, mullet-rocking persona.✔️ He received’t be Hamilton’s wingman—he’s now tasked with mentoring Antonelli whereas keeping track of Russell.✔️ If Antonelli struggles, Bottas may sneak right into a full-time seat, making this transfer much more strategic than it seems.
Whereas Mercedes has drawn the road on the nude calendars, Bottas remains to be bringing his refreshed persona to the group—and if he may help flip their fortunes round, his comeback might be one of many nice F1 redemption arcs.
One factor’s for positive—F1 simply bought much more fascinating.
