This Formula One racer would like to buy you a beer

If you happen to spot Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas in an Australian pub this summer, you should insist he buys you a beer. 

The Finnish driver, who spends his off-season in Australia, is taking up a summer job with his favourite brewery: Adelaide-based Coopers Brewery. 

Coopers has handed Bottas a Coopers Gold Card, unlocking free Coopers beer around the country - meaning the beers could be on him for punters who spot the Cadillac racing driver in a Coopers venue this summer. 

Bottas has twice finished runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship - in 2019 and 2020 with Mercedes, and has won 10 Grands Prix in total.

Since February 2020, Bottas has been in a relationship with Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell and they have a home in McLaren Vale, outside Adelaide.

 

He has been newly appointed as a "Coopers’ Quality Assurance Trainee", tasked with visiting pubs to conduct taste testing of Coopers beers. 

As part of this he will be on the lookout for ultimate freshness, keg quality and perfect pour. 

Bottas, who says his favourite beer is Coopers Australian Lager, visited Coopers Brewery in Regency Park, South Australia, after the Singapore Grand Prix for an induction, training and his own taste test with the Coopers brewing team in the $70m restaurant and microbrewery on site. 

Coopers Brewery managing director Michael Shearer said: “We’re honoured that Valtteri is a huge fan of Coopers, which made him the natural appointment to take on the task of tasting our ice-cold Coopers beer in venues across Australia this summer. 

“We are delighted he has taken on the role and expect he will be tapping his Coopers Gold Card frequently as he pops up in pubs nationally. 

“Fans should keep their eyes on Bottas’ socials as we know he has plans to invite fans to have a beer with him this summer. 

It's a marketing exercise - but a fun one. 

“I think Coopers is the best beer in the world and I’ve been a fan of the brand for a long time," Bottas said. 

"I’m very honoured to have this job. I tasted Coopers when I first came to Adelaide in 2020 and I fell in love with the taste. 

“I’ve travelled a lot and I always try the local stuff. With Coopers, it’s just the taste, the way they make it and the story of being family owned.” 

# Founded in 1862, Coopers Brewery is a sixth-generation Australian family company and the nation’s largest independent brewer.