Valtteri Bottas will not enjoy a second nude calendar shoot (Image: Getty)
has a special assignment for in 2025. The Finnish racer is set to mentor and coach during his rookie season, giving the teenager invaluable support as he adapts to life at .
Bottas’ return to was confirmed in late 2024 after Sauber opted to bring in reigning Formula Two champion Gabriel Bortoleto to partner in 2025. At that point, it was too late for the Finn to secure another full-time drive, but his former employers swooped in with a tempting offer for a test and reserve role.
The 35-year-old’s goal is to follow in the footsteps of Hulkenberg at Aston Martin, using his reserve driver role to remain in the paddock with the aim of stepping back into a full-time role in 2026.
However, he will also have a new role, nurturing one of the most anticipated rookies in modern F1 history. “Part of the role of Valtteri will be to have a look on Kimi,” Wolff explained to . “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 [Russell].”
Antonelli’s debut season will be a baptism of fire. The 18-year-old’s arrival was announced following an immense 2023 season that produced titles in Formula Regional and Italian F4, and then half a season of Formula Two running in 2024, with mixed results.
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Bottas will help to coach Kimi Antonelli in his rookie season (Image: Getty)
The Bologna-born starlet crashed two laps into his first-ever FP1 outing at the Italian Grand Prix. However, a more straightforward weekend in Mexico City eased concerns about Antonelli’s temperament behind the wheel.
As for Bottas, the Finn will have plenty of time to enjoy his off-track endeavours, such as cycling. However, one of his most popular off-track ventures, the nude calendar, will not get a sequel during his time at .
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“We are , so maybe the nude calendar is not on anymore,” Wolff continued. “So we’ve said that, but we need to keep him authentic. And if he wants to keep the ugly mullet, then he should.”
Should Bottas fail to secure a full-time return from his reserve driver stint, the 35-year-old will likely look to IndyCar for his long-term future. The former Sauber star has publicly stated his desire to experience the series and would follow in the footsteps of fellow F1 alumni Marcus Ericsson, Alexander Rossi and Romain Grosjean.