Valtteri Bottas has revealed how a diet of "water, coca-cola, and rice" got him through his 'home-made' Ironman challenge.
The Finn, who has lost his 2025 seat at Stake, was on holiday in the Turk and Caicos Islands between the Sao Paulo and Las Vegas Grands Prix - and decided to complete an ironman in his villa.
Bottas swam 2.4 miles in the villa pool, before switching to a 112-mile bike ride on Peloton before completing the challenge with a 26.22-mile marathon on a treadmill.
It took the 10-time grand prix winner nearly half a day to complete the event, with the likes of Jenson Button previously competing in official Ironman events, as he revealed he did regret taking on the challenge.
"I did regret it at times. I think it's just sometimes I just decide to do something and kind of prove to myself that I can do it and really challenge myself," he told media including RacingNews365.
"And also the friend who I was hanging with that week, he had done an Ironman, and I've not heard of anyone actually who's done it by himself in a small room.
"I just decided on the evening before that tomorrow I want to be an Ironman. And I just did it in a small pool and indoor bike and treadmill.
"I'd actually never done a marathon before, so now that's done as well.
"Just to give some details, there was like no preparation. I only had water and Coca-Cola, and a bit of rice…
"[It took] just under 11 hours and the pacing is easy because you can control yourself, but obviously, I've never done that long of a distance.
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Bottas's recovery from Ironman
Bottas went on to further discuss his recovery from the event - later taking in a bike ride through Death Valley after leaving the islands and heading to the United States for the Vegas race.
"I kind of did it as a zone two Ironman, so I managed to keep the heart rate pretty consistent and it was tough, especially the run in the end, lots of pain management, but I'm glad I did it," he added.
"It's a pretty cool experience and you realise how much is just mental. I was a little bit stiff the next day.
"I did manage to get up and play some pickleball the next morning. But I would say in a week or so, I felt strong again."
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