Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas has criticised his fellow drivers for their lack of personality in the paddock, encouraging others to show their true selves, rather than some constructed image.
In the last few years, only a handful of drivers in Formula 1 have stood out in the paddock, with Bottas becoming one of them this season, as he embraces a more relaxed approach since leaving Mercedes.
With a wealth of experience in the sport, Bottas seems at ease in his new role at Alfa Romeo, reflected in his outfit at the Australian Grand Prix, as he was spotted in the paddock with his mullet, a tank top and flip flops.
Bottas was joined in the Melbourne paddock by Daniel Ricciardo, who returned to Formula 1 for the first time since he was dropped by McLaren.
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Ricciardo is one of the most recognisable faces in Formula 1, having gained a reputation as a joker due to his sense of humour that was on display during interviews.
Other high-profile drivers include Lewis Hamilton and, before his retirement, Sebastian Vettel, who became known for their willingness to stand up for human rights and social issues, with both taking the knee, for example, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“It is a tricky thing,” Bottas admitted, as he explained how “it is sometimes difficult to see the real personalities on track.
“Obviously, once you get to know the drivers outside the track, then you can really see their personalities but the way you do the interviews, the way you behave in the sport, in the events and so on it’s pretty much standard, so that’s a bit of a shame.
“I think over the last 10 years there were some personalities, like Daniel Ricciardo, who really came up showing his personality and then also Lewis and, later, even Seb and it’s good to see.
“But it’s just how it is, I guess, it’s a serious business and there are big companies involved.”
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Bottas blamed the corporate image presented by many drivers on how rookies are, nowadays, “almost educated on how to behave and how to brand yourself.”
While more relaxed, Bottas hasn’t found much success at his new team, only securing four points after three races.
The Finn’s sole points finish was at Bahrain, where he placed 8th after a close battle with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly.