Valtteri Bottas considers a bold makeover, eyeing a Mercedes comeback and a shift from his relaxed image for championship dreams.
Valtteri Bottas has stated he would shave his mustache and cut his “mullet” hairstyle to return to Mercedes. The Finn partnered with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes until 2021, before moving to Alfa Romeo, now known as Stake F1. He hopes to stay there until the transition to Audi.
“It’s a fact that my contract ends at the end of this year,” Bottas admits. “We haven’t yet discussed the situation within the team, but it will be at the beginning of the year or in the coming months.
“Many teams don’t have a designated driver for 2025, so there will be movement. Not right away, but one must stay very attentive to what’s happening. Audi has always been successful in all forms of motorsport, and they don’t do things by halves.”
“This is my biggest goal to get involved in,” declares Bottas, before admitting he keeps an eye on what’s happening in his former team, Mercedes. “In this sport, you should never say never.”
But Bottas, although not adding to his impressive tally of 67 podiums, seems personally much happier than during his time at Mercedes. This is particularly evident in his mustache and mullet hairstyle. Would he be willing to shed these features in exchange for a return to Mercedes?
“Well, that would be a pretty tough request to fulfill! But if we’re talking about success and returning to the fight for podiums and wins, then yes, I think the mullet and mustache can go. But I also believe they might have learned something new about me. So, I don’t think they would demand it.”
He insists he still believes he could become world champion one day, even though many observers think Bottas has settled into a more relaxed lifestyle.
“Of course, I believe it, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. If someone thinks I’m driving just for fun, that’s not true. First and foremost, the goal is to get back on the podium. That’s the next step, and then we’ll continue to look forward.”
Bottas Mercedes F1 2025. Bottas Mercedes F1 2025
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