In 2022, the Miami GP was one of the most star-stud events and everyone wanted to get a taste of the racing in the magic city. Despite the event being a huge success, it was Valtteri Bottas who stole the headlines after the race with his viral vacation picture.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Following a demanding race, Bottas made the most of his trip to the USA by visiting the Mountains in Aspen, Colorado. This is where he went for a dip in the river and captured the moment by laying flat on his belly as his rear took the limelight. In a recent interview, he spilled the beans on the chain of events that led him to auction the photo for charity.
He said, “It was actually, the idea was, I don’t know quite often we just take photos like of different situations, but actually it was Tiffany, my girlfriend who took the photo. Um, yeah me and Paul, we were having a swim, my friend, Paul Ripke.
"I was like, 'that's actually quite an artistic photo.'" – @ValtteriBottas
"I have two photos of your butt in my house now." – @edsbs #DNF with @jessica_smetana and @edsbs are joined by @ValtteriBottas to talk about his legendary 🍑photo
📺 https://t.co/7i1FMKeIj7 pic.twitter.com/jP4vYC6iuz
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) August 5, 2022
“But then at the evening, I was just scrolling through the photos and I was like that is actually quite, artistic photo in a way.”
“Then I just decided to post it, no text, nothing, just posted because I loved it. It was quite funny and so on.”
“But then I saw the reaction the next morning, like wow, it was like record number of views and likes and everything.”
“So, then Paul Ripke came up with the idea that we should do like a limited, 24-hour edition of the prints and do it for charity and that’s we did.”
“And it was pretty popular.”
READ MORE: Amid Shocking Daniel Ricciardo Exit Rumors, Here’s How McLaren F1 Ruined Kevin Magnussen’s Birthday
Lewis Hamilton received a special gift from Valtteri Bottas
The Finnish racing driver revealed that over 5,000 people purchased a copy and claimed that he raised $50,900 for charity. Looking at the sale numbers, he said, “Making good with my bum.”
As the events unraveled, Lewis Hamilton opined on whether his former teammate’s print is worth the buck. He said, “I would [buy it] for charity, for sure, I didn’t know it was up for sale, but it’s one of the best photos I’ve seen.”
Later, the Finn did not shy away from presenting the seven-time world champion with an exclusive hand-delivered print.
Saved the last print for my buddy @LewisHamilton 🍑#VB77 @alfaromeoorlen @MercedesAMGF1 @tiffanycromwell @paulripke @F1 pic.twitter.com/L9p7TMuQ2L
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) May 26, 2022
The duo engaged in light banter with Valtteri Bottas commenting, “I just wanted to come and give you something. I heard that you liked the picture, so I signed ‘To Lewis’, and it’s for you.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“So you can put it up in your apartment or at home or something. Just a small gift, you know?”
Hamilton chuckled and replied, “Not that I don’t already have stuff to remember you by but this one…”What were you doing? Where was this?”
On learning about the destination, the Brit added, “So good. I love it, man. Thank you so much. Next time I’m in Colorado, I’ll get my buns out and repeat the same image and then send you one.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Ricciardo Redemption, Frozen Bottas- Dramatic F1 Moments in Monaco GP History
It’s great to see the former Mercedes pairing, sharing such a great bond despite wearing different race suits this year. How would you rate this snapshot of the Alfa Romeo driver? Would you buy it in the name of charity?