Zurich: Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Zhou Guanyu of China will leave Sauber at the end of the season, the F1 team confirmed Wednesday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Formula 2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg are set to join the squad next season, replacing Bottas and Zhou. The announcement came through a statement from Sauber, marking a significant shift in the team’s lineup.
Bottas expressed the complexity of the situation, noting, “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.” He reflected on his time with the team, describing it as “an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.” Despite the departure, he expressed gratitude for the experiences and support received and shared optimism for the future.
Zhou, commenting on his exit, stated, “I will leave the team at the end of the se
ason, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style. I am grateful to the team for giving me a chance in Formula One: this is not an easy sport for rookies, but the team has allowed me to grow so much over these three years.”
With only a few races remaining in the 24-round season, Bottas and Zhou, who have been teammates for the past three years, have yet to score any points after 21 rounds in 2024.