F1 team announces two drivers will leave team at the end of the season as replacement confirmed

Kick Sauber have announced that drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will leave the team at the end of the 2024 season - and they have already confirmed a replacement.

Bottas and Zhou have been with the Hinwil-based team for three seasons, with Bottas having left Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season.

While the car had been competing for points in 2022 and 2023, this season has been a different story with Sauber consistently at the back of the field.

Neither Bottas nor Zhou have scored a single point in 2024, although the former was seen as more likely to partner new signing Nico Hulkenberg for 2025 due to his consistent performances.

Zhou, meanwhile, has qualified in 20th position for each of the last eight Grands Prix and failed to make any impression in the races, effectively sealing his fate.

Sauber announced in a statement that neither driver will be staying with the team: "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 an hour of that statement on Wednesday morning, Sauber confirmed that Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto had been signed as Hulkenberg's team-mate on a multi-year deal.

That means he will be contracted to the team when they transition to Audi for the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old is currently leading the Formula 2 championship ahead of the final two weekends in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

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He will become the first Brazilian on the F1 grid as a full-time driver in over seven seasons following Felipe Massa's retirement in 2017.

He was also part of the McLaren academy, which he has now left in order to pursue his full-time race seat opportunity.

Bortoleto said: "This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports.

"Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour. Beyond simply being a member, I aim to grow the project and reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the team and for the chance to work alongside an experienced driver like Nico.

"Both programs have a proven track record of nurturing young talent, and I am confident that together, we will write our own success story."

The Sauber decision could mean the end of an illustrious F1 career for 35-year-old Bottas, who will not be on the grid next season.

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, who had been reported as an option for Sauber in recent days, will also be absent from the 2025 line-up, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman driving for the American team next season.