Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will not return for another season with Sauber, with plans in place to introduce an entirely new lineup for 2025. Gabriel Bortoleto may join this lineup; discussions between him and Sauber are currently taking place regarding signing terms for him.
Bottas and Zhou’s Exit Confirmed by Sauber
Rumors surrounding Sauber’s driver lineup for 2025 have long been the source of much debate within F1. Directed by Mattia Binotto, they took time this season evaluating various candidates before ultimately making their choice public: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will not rejoin Sauber in 2025.
In response to the announcement, Bottas expressed his reflections on the departure: “It’s always challenging to part ways, but after many positive discussions, it became clear that our visions for the future did not align. My time with the team has been a period of substantial growth, challenges, and memorable moments. I’m thankful for our time together and excited for what the future holds for both of us.”
Zhou also shared his feelings, noting, “Leaving Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber at season’s end marks an exciting new chapter for me and I am immensely appreciative for their incredible support, especially being first Chinese driver in Formula 1. Even after two challenging seasons I look forward to exploring my options within F1. “
As both drivers prepare to depart Sauber, motorsport fans across the world eagerly anticipate where their next moves may lead them and how well the 2025 edition of Sauber will fare with its newly assembled driver line up.