Valtteri Bottas banned from nude calendars by Mercedes boss

Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish Formula One driver, has been instructed by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff not to release any more nude calendars following his return to the team as a reserve driver for the 2025 season. Bottas gained popularity for his quirky and entertaining persona, which included a successful nude charity calendar titled 'Bottass 2024' that raised over £120,000 for Prostate Cancer Research. Wolff acknowledged Bottas's need for authenticity but emphasized that the team's image might not align with such antics, remarking, 'We are Mercedes, so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore.' Despite this, Bottas is encouraged to keep his distinctive mullet, which has become part of his charm. Bottas previously left Mercedes in 2021 after contributing to multiple Constructors' Championships and spent three years with Alfa Romeo before rejoining. His experience is expected to be beneficial as he mentors newcomers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli in the upcoming season.