It’s official: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will end their adventure with Sauber for 2025 in a decision mutually agreed upon with the team.
Nearly at the end of a disastrous season with no points earned in the Constructors’ Championship, and just a few days after the home Grand Prix of the most sought-after name to join the Swiss team for 2025, Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber has announced its decision to part ways with both of its drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, at the end of the 2024 season (now just three rounds from the finish).
The move by the Swiss team opens a nearly “secure” door for the Brazilian driver, currently leading the Formula 2 championship, and his entry into the top category. The possibility of seeing Franco Colapinto in 2025 should not be ruled out, despite the Argentine driver also sparking the interest of the Milton Keynes hierarchy. Therefore, it remains unknown at this time who will partner Nico Hülkenberg at Sauber for the upcoming season.
The Swiss team, through its social media channels, announced the departure of Finnish and Chinese drivers after three years of collaboration. According to their statements, the decision was mutual, as “the conditions to continue together could not be met,” and Sauber made sure to thank both drivers for their time with the team: “After open and constructive discussions with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, we mutually concluded that the conditions to continue together could not be met, so we agreed that it was time to part ways.”
“We would like to thank both for the contribution they have made to the team over the last three years. They have been the embodiment of professionalism, using their experience and enthusiasm to support our growth.”
Photos: Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber.