Valtteri Bottas had some completely different plans for the Brazilian Grand Prix. While Lewis Hamilton joined the paddock in his Senna-inspired outfit and his helmet that paid tribute to the late champion, Bottas took a different path to approach his November.
November is known to be a Men’s Mental Health Awareness month. This month, it is encouraged to talk more about the generational toxic cycles that men undergo and the trauma that comes with them.
It also takes time to highlight the different mental health issues one may be going through. However, Bottas decided to take it as his chance to raise awareness by participating in “Movember”. The Finnish driver shaved off his moustache which he would be growing back this month as a way to raise awareness.
NO, NOT THE MOUSTACHE @ValtteriBottas! 😲
“I had a bit of a scare this morning when I looked in the mirror…” 😅
The Finn is taking part in ‘Movember” 🥸 #F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/h8xXbNAUw0
— Autosport (@autosport) November 2, 2023
However, just like many of us, the driver had some trouble recognizing himself. When Bottas made his presence clear on the paddock, many took a second look to make sure it was the Fin man. Without his mustache, many could not recognize him as they tried to figure out if he looked younger or older.
Bottas shared his own story. When he woke up in the morning, he could not recognize himself. He said, “I had a bit of a scare this morning when I looked in the mirror…” Nonetheless, the driver seems to have taken the opportunity in an attempt to talk about a serious topic of conversation. No matter the gender, a person should get the necessary help that they deserve.
Mustache or not, Valtteri Bottas goes unnoticed by fans
Valtteri Bottas went unrecognizable during the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, it may not be the first time the driver went unnoticed. Bottas was once the teammate of one of the biggest stars of the sport. The Finnish man drove alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. One may think that driving for such a known team and teammate, fans may know you.
However, Bottas had different experiences. The Finman shared his experience from two years ago in Austin. He was in the lift in his Mercedes uniform when a few fans entered the lift with him. Curious, the fans asked Bottas if he worked with Mercedes and what he did to which he simply replied he was with the Silver Arrows team.
Funny back story from Valtteri Bottas 😂 pic.twitter.com/IubRrdOyYW
— Formula One (@yathintheone) October 30, 2023
Not wanting to sound closed off, he avoided mentioning he was an F1 driver. However, the fans did not seem to have noticed. Bottas then went on to ask who would they want to see winning today to which everyone replied, Lewis Hamilton. To no one’s shock, the Brit made quite an impression with his seven championships.
Nonetheless, the fans then went on about how there’s this other guy in the team too but could not remember who as they continued to praise Hamilton. When the fans finally asked Bottas who he thought should win, the Fin man said, “The other guy.”
The funny incident stuck with him even after years as he continued to joke about it.