Sauber-Audi has announced it will not retain either Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu beyond the current 2024 F1 season.
After Sauber-Audi signed up Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 F1 season and beyond, it was looking very unlikely that either of Bottas and or Guanyu could keep their seat beyond the 2024 season. But the change in personnel to Mattia Binotto gave some hope.
Fresh round of discussions took place and Bottas was looking a bit more confident than Guanyu. They both had stiff competition from F2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto, which could be proven right, after the decision to not retain either of the drivers for 2025.
With just the three rounds remaining, Sauber-Audi took the chance to officially confirm that neither Bottas and nor Guanyu will be part of the team after 2024. Both the Finn and the Chinese had joined the team in 2022 and in 2024, they will complete three seasons.
Ever since the announcement of takeover from Audi, the results started to drop and the current season of 2024 is one of the worst in their history. Bottas has been linked to returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver thus far.
“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,” said Bottas. “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.”
Meanwhile, Guanyu stated: “I will leave the team at the end of the season, 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.
“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.”
And finally, Binotto added: “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.
“The last three years have seen our team grow significantly on and off the track, and both Valtteri and Zhou have played a big role in this progression. At this time, however, following our discussion with Zhou, we have decided that our future lies in different places. We are grateful to Zhou 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.”
Despite having given Robert Shwartzman a FP1 chance – who has been since announced to join Prema in IndyCar – Sauber-Audi is staring at hiring rookie Bortoleto for 2025 F1 season. The Brazilian is currently leading the F2 standings with two rounds to go.
When McLaren chief Andrea Stella was asked if the Brazilian remain part of the family, the Italian didn’t give a 100% confirmation and instead focused on stating that, they will not come in the way if their junior driver has an opportunity of a F1 seat.
“Well, the conservation are ongoing,” said Stella. “They are being finalised, I think this question will have an answer very soon, so for the moment I would not comment. Lets get the agreement finalised. For me, the most important thing that I have always been saying is that McLaren will not stop Gabriel having a seat in Formula 1.”
Here’s news on Sauber hiring
Here’s Christian Horner on giving up Jonathan Wheatley
Here’s Valtteri Bottas on what is ailing Sauber/Audi
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