In a major shake-up ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Sauber has made the decision to part ways with both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, signaling the end of an era for the Swiss team.
The two drivers, who have been with the team since 2022, will be replaced by a fresh, exciting duo for the upcoming season.
A Struggling Season for Sauber
The 2024 season has been challenging for Sauber, with the team currently sitting at the bottom of the Constructors’ Standings, having failed to score a single point so far.
Neither Bottas nor Zhou has managed a top 10 finish this year, leading to disappointment after the team’s respectable sixth-place finish in 2022.
Last season, however, the squad fell to ninth, underlining the struggles they’ve faced in recent years.
Preparing for the Audi Era
Sauber, previously known as Alfa Romeo, is gearing up for a significant transformation as Audi prepares to take over operations in 2026.
With the changes on the horizon, the team has taken a step forward by making the tough decision to let go of both Bottas and Zhou for the 2025 season.
The team expressed gratitude for their drivers’ professionalism and contributions over the past three years.
A statement from Sauber read, “After open and constructive discussions with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, we mutually concluded that conditions to continue together could not be met, so we agreed that it is time to part ways.”
Introducing the New Drivers
One of the key pieces of the puzzle for Sauber’s future was already in place with the signing of veteran Nico Hulkenberg.
The second driver announcement was eagerly anticipated, and today, Sauber confirmed the addition of Gabriel Bortoleto, the current Formula 2 championship leader.
This marks a historic moment as Bortoleto becomes the first Brazilian F1 driver since Felipe Massa retired in 2017.
Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed his excitement about the new duo: “Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.”
He emphasized Bortoleto’s proven talent, saying, “Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver.”
Bortoleto’s Ambition
At just 20 years old, Gabriel Bortoleto is thrilled to make the jump to Formula 1.
“This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports,” he said, referring to the combined power of Sauber and Audi.
“Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honor.”
Bortoleto looks forward to working alongside Hulkenberg, a driver with vast experience.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico,” he added, confident in his development within the team’s ambitious plans.
McLaren’s Reaction and Bottas’ Next Move
The loss of Bortoleto from McLaren’s ranks came as a blow, with McLaren team boss Andrea Stella acknowledging that other teams would be eager to snap up the young talent.
However, he assured that McLaren would continue to explore opportunities for Bortoleto in the future.
Zhou’s departure from Sauber wasn’t a shock, as his exit had been expected following the announcement of Hulkenberg’s arrival earlier in the year.
Bottas, on the other hand, had been fighting to retain his spot on the team, aiming to extend his F1 career into a 13th season.
After the confirmation of his exit, Bottas commented, “A situation like this is never easy for anyone,” acknowledging the tough nature of the decision.
However, he also recognized that both sides had concluded they could not continue their partnership under the current conditions.
With Bottas’ future uncertain, rumors suggest that the 10-time race winner has been in talks with his former Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, considering a reserve spot at Mercedes after previous discussions with Alpine and Williams failed to materialize earlier in the year.
What’s Next?
As Sauber transitions into its new era with Audi, the team is poised to build a competitive force with its new driver line-up.
While Bottas and Zhou will be missed, the arrival of Bortoleto and the experience of Hulkenberg could be the perfect combination to return the team to its former glory.
As for Bottas and Zhou, their next steps remain uncertain, but their futures in F1 are still very much up in the air.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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