In Daniel Ricciardo’s Absence, Valtteri Bottas Takes the “Australian” Baton of the F1 Grid: “Australia Suits Him”

Every new Formula 1 season brings fresh new challenges and narratives that catch everyone involved off guard. Although, as fans, we get accustomed to a few things, be it Lewis Hamilton’s paddock walk, or Daniel Ricciardo’s antics throughout the season. Heading into 2023, we will miss all the mischief from Ricciardo, including his grand Austin entrance. However, the Australian might’ve left us a possie. A possie, in the shape of Valtteri Bottas.

The Finnish driver has fully come into character ever since he joined Alfa Romeo. We all have already seen Bottas bare it all in the unsettling social media post, which ended up becoming a source of charity. The photographer behind Bottas’ photo was his girlfriend, Tiffany Cromwell. Cromwell is an Australian professional cyclist and the two have been together for over two years now. Safe to say, Cromwell’s Aussie-ness has rubbed off on the Finn.

Spotted near the pit wall during the testing in Bahrain, Bottas was sporting a mustache and a mullet with his look screaming: 70’s Australian. Sky Sports F1’s Twitter posted the photo of Bottas with his look completed, with a pair of sunglasses with a caption. The caption read, “Bottas entering his Aussie rules era.”

A mullet with the stache, an Australian girlfriend, and bare-bottom swims in lakes is arguably as Australian as it gets. Riccairdo’s absence is a blow to the sport and the fans, but Bottas is making sure the blow is not as harsh.

Read More: Valtteri Bottas Cheers on Olympian Girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell at Giro D’Italia in Fresh Break from F1

Moreover, the fans are also seeing the Aussie in the Finn after the viral photo did the rounds on the internet.

Fans on Twitter cheer on the Australian in Valtteri Bottas

Finland is nowhere near Australia on the world map. However, the Finnish driver is making the lines blurry with his new look. Fans saw Bottas’s look and instantly made the Australian connection.

One fan also predicted, “Daniel would’ve loved this.” The rest made the Australian connection with some references and reiterated the point.

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Although there was one fan who made an ’emotional’ point as to how Bottas can never be Ricciardo.

Although there were also some who suggested the Finn was never really himself at Mercedes. Good riddance, according to a few fans!

Mercedes or not, there is a fair bit of Australian in Bottas, it seems. Now, being the alpha at Alfa, Bottas is living freely. Moreover, if we are to be bold and make a statement, the style does suit him.