Sauber confirmed on Wednesday that it will part ways with Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign.
Zhou and Bottas joined the Hinwil outfit together in 2022 under the guise of Alfa Romeo.
During their tenure as team-mates they have witnessed the decline of the team in terms of the performance, slipping from a midfield competitor to bottom of the table in 2024, with 0 points after 21 rounds.
The news of their impending exit ends months of speculation as to whether either Zhou or Bottas would partner Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber in 2025, in the lead-up to Audi’s 2026 takeover.
‘Conditions not met,’ says Bottas
The news on Wednesday means that Bottas, a 10-time GP winner with 67 podiums and 20 pole positions is out of F1.
After months of negotiation and at times nearing an extension with Sauber, the Finn confirmed “conditions” couldn’t be met between the two parties.
“A situation like this is never easy for anyone,” said Bottas.
“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.”
Zhou has ‘plenty of fight left’
Zhou Guanyu entered F1 as a rookie with Sauber in 2022 and admitted he’s grateful to the Hinwil-based outfit for giving him, China’s first Grand Prix driver, a chance.
“I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style,” he said.
“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.
“China, earlier this season, was without doubt a highlight, but so many moments, both in public and behind the scenes, are what I am going to remember from the last three years.
“I’ll now focus on the next step in my career: I still have plenty of fight left in me and I am keen to continue progressing.”
Sauber thanks Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu for their tenure
Before an announcement comes rolling in regarding Bottas and Zhou’s replacement, Sauber sought to pay tribute to its two departing drivers.
Mattia Binotto, COO & CTO of Sauber Motorsport AG, said “We extend our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the past three years together.
“He has been the embodiment of professionalism, using his vast experience to support the team’s growth. Valtteri’s dedication and approach have been invaluable during a pivotal time in our history, and the memories of these years will stay with us for a long time.
“In considering our driver line-up for the coming seasons, Valtteri was unquestionably a key candidate. With his fighting spirit, he frequently pushed the car beyond its performance limits. However, a decision had to be made.
“After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met so we agreed that it is time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil.”
Regarding Zhou, Binotto said “We are grateful for the last three years, for the commitment and the hunger he has shown from the first moment he drove for us to today.
“Scoring points on debut and helping the team to P6 in 2022 was a statement of intent, but so was his contribution off track and at the factory.
“We want to celebrate our journey together with three strong races to finish this season, and both the team and Zhou are committed to giving everything in Las Vegas, Doha and Abu Dhabi together.”
A decision to depart with its two drivers in early November leaves Sauber’s outgoing Bottas and Zhou with little time to prepare for what comes next.
In the meantime, their replacement will be announced in due course, with the rumour mill spinning towards Formula 2 Champion elect, Gabriel Bortoleto.
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