F1 crew brutally axe BOTH of their drivers – together with star with 67 Grand Prix podiums
- Sauber have had a disastrous season so far, not winning a single point
- The constructor is gearing up for the arrival of Audi as their operator in 2026
- They have also announced two exciting drivers as their team for next year
Sauber have removed both Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu from their roster for the 2025 F1 season, and confirmed the two exciting stars who will replace them next year.
The team have endured a nightmare season, currently sitting on zero points in the Constructor Standings, with neither racer earning a single top 10 finish this campaign.
The duo of Bottas and Guanyu have made up the Swiss team’s line-up since 2022, coming sixth that year but dropping to ninth last season.
Sauber, formerly known as Alfa Romeo, have been gearing up for the arrival of Audi as their operator in 2026.
And the constructor has now heralded the new beginning by axing both of their drivers for the 2025 campaign.
Sauber have brutally removed Valtteri Bottas from their roster for the 2025 F1 season
The team have also axed Zhou Guanyu after a disastrous campaign leaving them on zero points
They have announced F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto as the exciting new name on their team sheet
Sauber announced the decision on X: ‘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.’
With Nico Hulkenberg previously named as one of the two new racers, anticipation was mounting over who might complete the roster.
And today they announced F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto as the exciting new name on their team sheet, making him the first Brazilian driver on the circuit since Felipe Massa departed in 2017.
‘Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver,’ said Sauber chief operating officer Mattia Binotto.
‘We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi. Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport.
‘Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.’
With Nico Hulkenberg previously named as one of the two new racers, anticipation was mounting over who might complete the roster
Sauber, formerly known as Alfa Romeo, are gearing up for the arrival of Audi as their operator in 2026
‘Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver,’ said Sauber chief operating officer Mattia Binotto
The 20-year-old said he was ‘incredibly grateful’ to graduate into the F1, joining up-and-coming stars such as Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Kimi Andrea Antonelli (Mercedes) in making the step up.
‘This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports,’ he said.
‘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 with this ambitious 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 programmes have a proven track record of nurturing young talent and I am confident that together we will write our own success story.’
Andrea Stella, team boss at McLaren, who have lost Bartoleto from their roster after Sauber’s swoop, said: ‘I think it’s very, very normal and natural that Formula 1 teams are interested in having Gabriel as a driver.
‘In terms of McLaren, McLaren will not stop the possibility for Gabriel to drive Formula 1. So conversations are ongoing, and we will see what the scenario will before the future.’
Zhou’s exit does not come as a surprise, with the Chinese racer expected to leave Sauber ever since the Swiss constructor announced Hulkenberg as the latest member of their team in April.
Bottas, on the other hand, had been battling to keep his spot in the side and extend his run as a driver on the F1 circuit into an impressive 13th year.
Andrea Stella, team boss at McLaren, has lost Bartoleto from his roster after Sauber’s swoop
Felipe Massa was the last Brazilian to race in F1 and the star decided to depart in 2017
Bottas partnered Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2017 and 2021 and supported him to four consecutive Drivers’ Championships
Following the confirmation of his exit, the Finn said: ‘A situation like this is never easy for anyone.
‘But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met.’
Bottas partnered Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes from 2017 and 2021 and supported him to four consecutive Drivers’ Championships, coming runner-up in 2019 and 2020 and third in 2017 and 2021.
Reports suggest the 10-time race winner has been in touch with his former teammate over a reserve spot at his old constructor after discussions with Alpine and former employers Williams fell through earlier this year.
