Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will part ways with Sauber at the end of this season. The Swiss team have opted for a brand new 2025 driver line-up, with Gabriel Bortoleto expected to be announced as their next signing in the near future.
Sauber confirm Bottas and Zhou exit
Speculation about Sauber’s 2025 line-up has dominated F1 news headlines for several months.
The team under Mattia Binotto’s leadership have been hesitant about committing themselves to a driver, spending most of the year evaluating various options.
However, it is now official that Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will not be on the grid next season.
Bottas has released a statement following Sauber’s announcement:
“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 realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met.
“These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. I’m grateful for the joint experiences as well as the trust and support I’ve felt every step of the way.
“Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both in the future.”
Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, and Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber ; 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula One World Championship
Zhou has also issued a statement:
“I will be leaving the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber at the end of the 2024 season.
“I would like to thank the fans for their continued support. You have been fantastic, and you continue to inspire me.
“I am immensely proud to represent my country as the first ever Chinese Formula 1 driver.
“I hope that my racing continues to inspire those who are following my story.
“I am happy to have already achieed many things under difficult conditions in Formula 1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap, and some memorable battles throughout the grid.
“Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward.
“I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of.
“I’m now discussing a number of options to stay in the Formula 1 paddock, will update to you all soon.”
