Valtteri Bottas returned to Mercedes in 2025 as a reserve driver after his time with Alfa Romeo-Sauber from 2022 to 2024. The Finnish driver shared how he spent an unusual winter break filled with relaxation, marine animals, and team-imposed restrictions. One particular contract clause drew attention, though he himself admitted: “I wouldn’t do it anyway.”
After five seasons with Mercedes from 2017 to 2021, during which he helped win the Constructors’ Championship each year, Valtteri Bottas is back with the German team as a third driver. Having been part of the Formula 1 grid since 2013, it had been years since the Finn enjoyed a winter break without needing to prepare for a new season.
In an interview with Autosport, Valtteri Bottas described how he spent the off-season. “I didn’t do much of the European winter, just a few days in Finland. This year I chased the sun all winter,” he said. “The most fun thing was swimming with sea lions and dolphins in South Australia, in a place called Baird Bay—being able to touch them, being less than a metre away. It was truly incredible.”
“The night before, there had been a shark attack in the area. And in my mind, sea lions are shark food. So I was a bit nervous, but I’m glad I did it,” the Finn added, referring to his experience in Australia, the home country of his current partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.
When asked if he needed Mercedes’ permission to do such activities, Valtteri Bottas replied: “I think that kind of stuff is still okay, but it always depends on the team. There are still some things I’m forbidden from doing, like free climbing, which I wouldn’t do even if I could.” – the former Sauber driver concluded.
Leave a Reply