At the end of the current Formula 1 season, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be leaving the Alfa Romeo Sauber team. Both drivers have been an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to its journey over the past few years.
A Farewell to Bottas
Valtteri Bottas, a key figure at Alfa Romeo for the last three seasons, expressed his gratitude to the team. After learning about the team’s decision to move forward without him, Bottas reflected on his time with the squad. “These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments,” said Bottas. He acknowledged the trust and support he received from the team and expressed excitement for the future despite moving on.
Mattia Binotto, Sauber’s COO and CTO, praised Bottas for his professionalism and dedication during a critical phase in the team’s history. Binotto highlighted Bottas’ role in pushing the car beyond its limits and his contribution to the team’s growth. “Valtteri has been the embodiment of professionalism, using his vast experience to support the team’s growth. His fighting spirit will always be remembered.”
Zhou Guanyu’s Departure
Zhou Guanyu, who made his F1 debut with Alfa Romeo, also shared his thoughts about leaving the team. “I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style,” Zhou stated. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities the team provided and acknowledged the challenges of being a rookie in such a competitive sport. Zhou’s standout performance, including scoring points in his debut race and contributing to the team’s 6th place finish in 2022, has made a lasting impact.
Binotto also thanked Zhou for his dedication and growth over the past three years. “We are grateful to Zhou for the last three years, for the commitment and the hunger he has shown from the first moment he drove for us,” Binotto said. Zhou’s contributions, both on and off the track, have been vital to the team’s success. The team will look back fondly on their time together, especially remembering Zhou’s impressive debut season.
Looking Ahead
Next season, Gabriel Bortoleto, the current F2 championship leader, will join the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto has signed a multi-year deal with Sauber, and his addition to the team brings excitement for the future. While it is a bittersweet moment for Bottas and Zhou, both drivers are determined to finish the season strong. The team is focused on giving their all in the upcoming races in Las Vegas, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
For Bottas and Zhou, their departure marks the end of one chapter, but both drivers are focused on their future careers. “I still have plenty of fight left in me,” Zhou said, expressing his ambition to continue growing and progressing in Formula 1.
As the season wraps up, Sauber looks forward to a new chapter with Bortoleto and Hulkenberg while celebrating the achievements of Bottas and Zhou during their time with the team.
