--- title: "Valtteri Bottas’ New F1 Helmet Is a Little Creepy, Mostly Hilarious" date: "2023-02-24" modified: "2023-02-24" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/valtteri-bottas-new-f1-helmet-is-a-little-creepy-mostly-hilarious" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Valtteri Bottas’ New F1 Helmet Is a Little Creepy, Mostly Hilarious ![]() *\Alfa Romeo\* I've always been fascinated by the world of custom-painted [Formula 1]() racing helmets. These high-tech safety devices for your noggin can cost as much as a new [Honda Civic Type R]() once fully equipped with aero ducts, crash sensors, comms, and drink systems. F1 drivers then commission [pricey paint jobs]() to represent whatever mood they're in on any given weekend, but none—or perhaps very few—as original as Valtteri Bottas' new helmet for the [2023 racing season](). The Finnish racer's new lid is equal parts creepy and original, but overall very freaking hilarious. As these images shared on Alfa Romeo's [social media channels]() show, the design is a cartoon depiction of Bottas' head. That's right, it's a helmet that's sorta made to look like there's no helmet. Genius! ![]() ![]() The design, which was masterminded by the driver's own girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell, is complete with Bottas' new signature mustache, mouth, scruffy beard, luscious blonde hair (part of a mullet), and, of course, two ears. From afar it mostly looks tan and yellow, but it truly comes alive when you get a closer look. When Bottas isn't driving and his helmet is perched on its stand, however, it gets even better. A custom visor cover with Bottas' eyes and eyebrows sits over the eye-port, completing the full-face look and appearing like an actual head. It's bizarre and I can't look away. ![]() ![]() When [helmet designs make headlines]() nowadays it's often because of personal messaging related to politics, activism, or religion. And while I personally don't see the problem with that, it's also great to see a driver just having fun out there. After all, with [Daniel Ricciardo no longer on the grid](), someone's gotta take his place as the childish, spontaneous, and down-to-earth F1 racer everyone loves. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()