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Sauber F1 has confirmed that drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will part ways with the team at the end of the 2024 season. This announcement concludes months of speculation regarding their futures. Brazilian Formula 2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto will replace Bottas, while Nico Hulkenberg will take Zhou's seat in 2025. Both drivers have struggled in a challenging season, with Sauber unable to score any points after 21 races.
Reflecting on his time at Sauber, Bottas expressed his gratitude, stating, "These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments." He added, "Though it's time to move on, I'll always carry a piece of this team with me." The Finn, a former Mercedes driver, hinted at a possible return to Mercedes in a reserve role if other options don't materialize. Bottas admitted, "A situation like this is never easy for anyone, but after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realized that the conditions to grow this project together were not met."
Zhou, who joined Sauber in 2022 as China's first Formula 1 driver, is also grateful for his experience with the team. "I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style," he remarked. "I am grateful to the team for giving me a chance in Formula One... China, earlier this season, was without doubt a highlight." Zhou is now exploring options to stay in F1 and says he has "plenty of fight left."
Sauber COO and CTO Mattia Binotto praised both drivers' contributions. He described Bottas as "the embodiment of professionalism" and acknowledged his role in helping the team grow, noting, "With his fighting spirit, he frequently pushed the car beyond its performance limits." Regarding Zhou, Binotto emphasized the significance of Zhou's debut, saying, "Scoring points on debut and helping the team to P6 in 2022 was a statement of intent." Binotto added that the team and Zhou aim to end the season strong with their last races in Las Vegas, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
With Audi set to take over Sauber in 2026, the team appears focused on new talent, positioning Bortoleto as part of an exciting future. The young Brazilian expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour."
