Valtteri Bottas leaves Sauber/Audi post-2024, potentially joining Mercedes as a reserve driver in 2025.
It was already known that one of the two current drivers for Stake F1, the commercial name for Sauber, which is set to become Audi in 2026, would not remain with the team next year. Nico Hülkenberg was confirmed in spring on a multi-year contract.
However, Sauber has now announced that neither Valtteri Bottas nor Guanyu Zhou will be part of the team next season, ending the partnership with the duo that has represented its colours, first as Alfa Romeo and then as Stake, since 2022.
“This kind of situation is never easy for anyone. But after all the thorough, positive discussions we’ve had over recent weeks, we realised the conditions weren’t in place to move this project forward together,” Bottas stated.
“These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments. I’m grateful for the shared experiences, trust, and support I felt at every step. Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a part of this team with me and look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.”
Guanyu Zhou, who has endured a challenging season in Hinwil, in Bottas’s shadow and at the wheel of a difficult-to-handle C44, paid tribute to the team that enabled him to compete for three seasons in Formula 1. “I’ll leave the team at the end of the season, but I’m fully committed to finishing the season strongly,” said Zhou.
“I am grateful to the team for giving me a chance in Formula 1; it’s not an easy sport for newcomers, but over these three years, the team has allowed me to grow significantly.”
“China at the start of the season was undoubtedly a highlight, but I’ll remember so many moments, both on stage and behind the scenes, over these last three years. Now, I’ll focus on the next chapter of my career: I’m not done fighting and am eager to keep progressing.”
Sauber’s new boss, Mattia Binotto, paid tribute to Bottas’s contributions to the team’s development: “We express our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the three years we’ve shared. He has embodied professionalism, bringing his vast experience to support the team’s growth.”
“Valtteri’s dedication and approach have been invaluable at a pivotal time in our history, and the memories of these years will remain with us. When considering our driver lineup for the coming seasons, Valtteri was undoubtedly a key candidate. With his fighting spirit, he often pushed the car beyond its performance limits.”
“However, a decision had to be made. After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that the final conditions couldn’t be met, and thus agreed it was time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here at Hinwil.”
A Brazilian media outlet reports that Gabriel Bortoleto has been released by McLaren. Without doubt, the announcement should come in the next few hours, if not minutes, but the Brazilian is now the favourite to join Hülkenberg next season.
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Bottas Exits Stake/Audi for 2025: Mercedes Reserve Role Looms Bottas Exits Stake/Audi for 2025: Mercedes Reserve Role Looms
