Bottas settled for a six-pack after winning his weight in beer

Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas settled for a six-pack after winning his weight in beer in a cycle race in Colorado during Formula One's August break.

The Finn told reporters at the Dutch Grand Prix on Thursday how he came to compete in a gravel hill climb in Steamboat Springs dressed as the Simpsons cartoon character "Duffman".

"The prize for the best costume was your weight in beer, and I really wanted to win the prize," Bottas said of last week's event.

"I was thinking about it, obviously being mainly an American crowd, so I went for The Simpsons and Duffman."

Bottas admitted his favourite character was Homer Simpson but also figured it would be tougher riding uphill dressed in that guise.

"I only took a six-pack, but I donated to all the spectators and competitors. It was a good afternoon," he said of his winnings.

The former Mercedes driver, who was teammate to seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton before joining Alfa Romeo, posted pictures on social media of his ride with cans of Duff beer strapped to his waist.

He also rode a 160km gravel race on Sunday, finishing 20th out of 926 entrants.

His partner, Australian professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, finished second in the women's race.