Why Alfa Romeo star Valtteri Bottas considers Australian F1 Grand Prix his home race

Dressed in a shirt and thong with an iconic mullet haircut, Finnish F1 star Valtteri Bottas has embraced Aussie culture like no other – becoming one of the most popular drivers at the Australian Grand Prix.

Bottas, who won the 2019 Australian Grand Prix, was very active leading up to the prestige event to raise money for a flood-stricken nursery school in Shepparton and several other public engagements.

The 33-year-old announced last week that he will wear a helmet designed by Aboriginal artist Ricky Kildea, which will then be signed and auctioned to raise money for two Indigenous charities: Save the Children and Koorie Academy Basketball.

It’s no wonder Bottas is treated like a Melbourne local.

“That’s how I feel,” he said Fox Sports. “I get a lot of support (in Melbourne). I think it’s probably the most I get. It’s almost a home race for me.’

The Alpha Romeo star says he feels like a local in Melbourne and feels more supported there than any other race

‘I think of course because I’ve been with my Australian girlfriend (Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell) for three years now and spend a bit more time here. Maybe that will help,’ he said.

The Alfa Romeo driver wasted no time changing his look over the summer while he spent Down Under.

In a hilarious video posted to his social media, Bottas revealed his transformation into a true blue Aussie bogan by showing off his mullet haircut and drinking a can of VB.

“The mullet certainly helps,” he says. ‘And I like VB – for me it’s light, it’s a refreshing drink.

“There aren’t many mullion windows in Finland, but there are a few coming up, so it’s starting to become a trend. I think I’m seeing a few now in Europe in general where I didn’t see any last year.’

Bottas is spending more time Down Under with his girlfriend, Australian Olympic cyclist Tiffany Cromwell

Bottas’ more relaxed looks have also given him a more relaxed look – and the Finnish star can be seen smiling a lot more on the track these days

Bottas’ more relaxed appearance has also given him a more relaxed look – and the Finnish star can be seen smiling a lot more on the track these days.

“I’ve definitely learned not to take things too seriously, and I’ve learned to be a little more forgiving of myself and not put too much pressure on myself,” he says.

“The way of life – the most important thing for people [in Australia] is that they want to have fun, which is a great way to live.”

Bottas had a mixed start to the season, finishing eighth in the opening race in Bahrain, followed by a disappointing performance in Saudi Arabia, where he finished 18th.

He hopes for better luck in Melbourne, where he has finished in points in his last four starts.