Valtteri Bottas has been prevented by Mercedes from releasing a sequel to his popular "Botass" semi-nude charity calendar.
Last year, while still racing for Sauber, the Finnish driver raised funds for prostate cancer research by producing a calendar featuring cheeky – and bare – images of himself.
However, The Sun and Bild report that now that Bottas has returned to Mercedes as a reserve driver, team boss Toto Wolff has vetoed the 2025 edition of the calendar.
Despite blocking the new calendar, Mercedes has no issues with Bottas maintaining his distinctive mullet hairstyle – a key part of his post-Mercedes persona after being replaced by George Russell at the end of 2021.
Russell, now leading the team alongside rookie Kimi Antonelli following Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025, says he is pleased to have Bottas back in the fold.
"Obviously years ago we were perceived to not have a strong relationship," Russell said. "But we are both professionals and our relationship has grown. We often travel together and see each other at hotels or in the gym.
"His experience is going to be massive. Having someone with so much simulator and racing knowledge, and who fully knows the team, is going to be great."
