Valtteri Bottas Under Fire For Alleged Nicotine Promotion

In his home country of Finland, criticism is mounting against Valtteri Bottas for his alleged promotion of a nicotine item.

The Finnish racing driver has moved on from his polished persona post-Mercedes, now notable for his distinctive moustache and ‘mullet’ haircut, coupled with a dynamic and creative approach to his social media engagement and various business ventures.

Bottas seems to have engaged in a new promotional deal with Luna Corporate, a Polish nicotine firm. Although Bottas’ actual name is not directly used for the ’77 Pouches’ brand, the product line of flavored nicotine pouches unmistakably features a silhouette resembling his face.

“Bottas has not confirmed that he has agreed to be the advertising face of 77,” the Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat clarifies.

“His manager has not responded to requests for comment in the past days.”

Iltalehti newspaper, meanwhile, reports that the nicotine content of the strongest ’77’ product is 20 grams – an amount that is prohibited under Finnish legislation.

“It is unfortunate if Valtteri Bottas knowingly advertises a harmful and highly addictive product,” the Finnish national public health and tobacco policy expert organisation ASH declared.

Iltalehti claims it was able to get in touch with Bottas’ sponsorship manager Ville Ahtiainen, who denied any knowledge of the Sauber driver’s partnership with 77 Pouches.

“Ahtiainen promised to look into the matter, but did not respond to subsequent contact requests,” the newspaper added.

The report also claims Bottas could be seen with a circular nicotine pouch tin in his pocket in an Instagram post late last year.