Valtteri Bottas’ F1 career all but over as Sauber confirm reason they’re axing Finn | F1 | Sport

Sauber has confirmed that Valtteri Bottas will be leaving the team at the end of the 2024 season after ‘final conditions could not be met’ during contract talks. Zhou Guanyu‘s departure was also confirmed.

Bottas had been in talks with Sauber over new terms for some time but was keen on a multi-year deal. With 37-year-old Nico Hulkenberg already signed on for 2025, Mattia Binotto looks to have opted for youth over another experienced driver.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the past three years together,” Binotto explained. “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.”

With full-time opportunities on the grid hard to come by, Bottas is expected to rejoin Mercedes in a reserve capacity while pursuing racing options for 2026. IndyCar has been touted as an option, but competitive seats are now in limited supply, so a transition to the United States in 2025 is unlikely.

He is set to be replaced by Gabriel Bortoleto, who has raised plenty of eyebrows with his performances in his rookie Formula Two campaign. The 20-year-old Brazilian leads the standings with two rounds remaining and is on course for back-to-back junior titles.

Zhou, who has struggled in his third season with the team, is also departing along with Bottas. “I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style,” he said on Wednesday.

“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.”