Valtteri Bottas qualifies for World Gravel during F1 summer break: ‘The rest relax on a boat’

The F1 driver field enjoys a well-deserved summer break in August. This week, the factories also closed their doors and the holiday period was officially kicked off. Several drivers, including Max Verstappen, were already spotted on luxurious yachts in the Mediterranean. Valtteri Bottas, however, took a different approach. Last weekend, he got on his gravel bike and even qualified for the World Championship.

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Bottas participated in the UCI Gravel World Series in Hlinsko, Czech Republic. It is no secret that the 36-year-old Finn is an avid cyclist. Thanks in part to his relationship with Australian Tiffany Cromwell – who rides professionally for UCI Women’s WorldTeam Canyon//SRAM Zondacrypto – Bottas is increasingly active on two wheels. Cromwell was also present in the Czech Republic to support Bottas.

Valtteri Bottas does not relax on a boat

The Cadillac driver posted several photos of the event on social media this week. “While the rest are nicely relaxing on a boat…,” read the caption. “I finished fifth in the Men 35-39 category and qualified for the gravel World Championship. Thanks for the great support on the tough course yesterday, I enjoyed it! It’s always nice to explore events like this together.”

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By the way, Bottas cannot participate in the World Championship due to his F1 commitments. The race takes place on the second weekend of October in Nannup, Australia. This coincides with the Singapore GP. It is only the fifth edition of the gravel World Championship. Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel became world champion in 2024, while Belgian Florian Vermeersch is the current titleholder.

Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here