Valtteri Bottas Cancels Nude Calendar After Mercedes Decision

Valtteri Bottas has rejoined Mercedes as a reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, following his departure from Audi F1.



In addition to his reserve duties, Bottas will serve as a mentor to the team’s new young driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Team Principal Toto Wolff stated, “Part of the role of Valtteri will be to have a look at Kimi. Be there to coach, be there to have an eye on what’s happening on the track. Kimi is going to learn from Valtteri and from George.”



Bottas, who previously raced for Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, securing 10 Grand Prix victories, was left without a seat after Audi F1 opted for a new driver lineup for 2025.



His return to Mercedes fills the experience gap created by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and aims to support the development of Antonelli, who, at 18, is set to become one of the youngest drivers in F1 history.







Wolff also addressed aspects of Bottas’s public persona, noting that while the team values authenticity, certain expressions may be reconsidered.



He remarked, “We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore. We’ve said that, but we need to keep him authentic. If he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should.”



As the 2025 season approaches, Bottas’s dual role is anticipated to be instrumental in integrating Antonelli into the team and enhancing Mercedes’ competitive prospects.
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