Toto Wolff has ruled out Valtteri Bottas releasing another “nude calendar” after the Finnish driver rejoined Mercedes ahead of the 2025 F1 season.
Although, the Austrian will not take scissors to the 10-time grand prix winner’s “ugly mullet”, as he affectionately referred to it as.
Since leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2021 F1 season, Bottas has embraced his personality in the paddock, donning a blonde mullet and moustache – two fixtures that were not present during his first stint as the Brackley-based team.
The 35-year-old also released a nude calendar, a move that raised $150,000 for charity in 2023, after photos of his naked behind went viral on social media.
That, however, might be a step too far for Mercedes, which is a more corporate entity than the Stake team Bottas has just departed.
Wolff insists he wants his new test and reserve driver to remain his authentic self, which includes his effervescent use of social media, but maintains there will have to be limits to that.
“We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore,” Wolff told RacingNews365. “So we’ve said that, but we need to keep him authentic.
“And if he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should,” he added with a grin.
Bottas’ new role at Mercedes
In the reality of his day-to-day job upon returning to Mercedes, Bottas will play back-up to Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, with a particular focus on the former.
Wolff detailed what can be expected of the Finn, who will also be coaching Antonelli as he embarks on his debut campaign in F1.
“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.”
