Sauber announces the departure of Bottas and Zhou

The Hinwil-based Sauber F1 team that will be Audi's works outfit from 2026 has announced that Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will leave the Swiss team at the end of the season.

After leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season, Valtteri Bottas joined Sauber to partner Formula One's first Chinese driverZhou Guanyu. The Finnish and Chinese driver have been team mates for the last three years, but they have endured a difficult campaign in 2024 with the squad still pointless after 21 race weekends.

Sauber that is set to become Audi's works outfit in 2026 has already announced the appointment of Nico Hulkenberg, but the Bottas and Zhou have been in contention for the second seat.

However, the Hinwil-based organisation has now confirmed that both drivers will depart from Sauber at the end of the season. It is believed that Bottas will be now pursuing a test driver role at his former team Mercedes, while McLaren junior racer Gabriel Bortoleto is expected to land at Sauber.

Sauber noted: "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.

"We would like to thank both for the contribution they have made to the team in the last three years. They have been the embodiment of professionalism, using their experience and enthusiasm to support our growth.

"Within the driver line-up, Valtteri has been a driving force, elevating both his teammate and the team with his unparalleled experience, enthusiasm, invaluable technical insights and fighting spirit."

Commenting on the announcement, Bottas said: "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.

"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.”

Speaking of the decision, Mattia Binotto, COO & CTO, Sauber Motorsport AG, 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.”