Bortoleto Joins Sauber with Bottas and Zhou Departure
Summary
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will depart from Sauber at the conclusion of the 2024 Formula 1 season, marking the end of their three-year tenure with the team. Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed as a driver for the 2025 season, while Brazilian star Gabriel Bortoleto is set to join him after a remarkable junior career highlighted by winning the Formula 3 championship and leading the Formula 2 standings. Bortoleto's signing is significant as he will become the first Brazilian to race full-time in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2017.
Bottas expressed gratitude for his time with Sauber, acknowledging the challenging circumstances but appreciating the journey. He is expected to pursue a reserve role with Mercedes, following discussions about a potential return. Meanwhile, Zhou has acknowledged Sauber for his growth over the past three years but is now weighing his options to remain in the F1 paddock, perhaps as a reserve driver. The announcement reflects Sauber's strategic shift as they prepare for their partnership with Audi, emphasizing a commitment to youth with Bortoleto's addition to their lineup.