Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish racing sensation, has expressed a strong interest in relocating to Australia to compete in Supercars once he wraps up his Formula 1 career. The driver has become a beloved figure in Australia, thanks in part to his relationship with Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, which has seen him spend considerable time in the country since 2020.
After 12 years racing on the F1 grid, Bottas has decided to step back for 2025, taking on a reserve driver role with Mercedes after experiencing three challenging years at Sauber. This shift allows him to attend all races as a backup without the intense preparation demanded from a primary driver. During a recent interview at the Race of Champions, he voiced his openness to racing in events like Bathurst 1000, stating there’s a “very high possibility” of him moving to Australia.
Bottas, who embraced a more laid-back lifestyle after leaving Mercedes, has developed a reputation for his fun-loving persona, complete with a distinctive mullet. He has shared his fondness for Australian culture and humour, finding similarities between his Finnish roots and the Australian way of life. He appreciates the stark contrasts between Finland’s cold climate and Australia’s warmth, describing both countries as having a dry, sarcastic sense of humour.
While Bottas is officially on standby for the 2025 season, he’s keeping fit, participating in various cycling competitions, and actively engaging in motorsport events. He has not abandoned his F1 aspirations, remaining hopeful for a potential return to the grid in 2026 or even sooner, given the unpredictable nature of racing.
Though he’s back with Mercedes, where much of his success was achieved, the structure is notably different compared to his time at Sauber, where he felt freer to express himself. This return to a corporate environment means no more cheeky projects like nude calendars, though he still finds ways to enjoy himself with promotional work.
As he navigates this unique transition in his career, Bottas remains a dynamic figure in motorsport, with excitement around his potential future in Australia, including plans for a trial run in Supercars, indicating that his journey in racing is far from over.