Fired F1 driver agrees with Lewis Hamilton simply hours after getting the boot

Following the aftermath of being dropped by Formula One team Stake, Zhou Guanyu has shared his admiration for team-mate Valtteri Bottas, an opinion shared by Lewis Hamilton.

Stake, previously dubbed Sauber, is gearing up for a complete overhaul in 2025 as both Zhou and Valtteri Bottas are set to part ways with the team after this season’s finale. As Nico Hulkenberg switches allegiance from Haas, he will spearhead Stake’s campaign next year before they transition into Audi’s factory team come 2026. Joining him will be Gabriel Bortoleto, who is currently leading the Formula Two charts with just two races to go.

Zhou responded to Wednesday morning’s announcement on social media pouring out praise for his soon-to-be former team-mate Bottas. On Instagram, the Chinese driver expressed deep admiration for the Finn, saying: “Loved every single moment we had, mate. Best team-mate ever.”

This development comes three years after Hamilton expressed a similar sentiment prior to Bottas’ departure from Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season. The duo spent five seasons racing together for the Silver Arrows and have maintained a close relationship in the years since, often commuting to Grand Prix weekends on the same flights, reports the Express.

Upon confirmation of Bottas’ exit from Mercedes, Hamilton showered him with praise, describing him as his ideal team-mate. In an extensive post on X, formerly Twitter, Hamilton stated: “I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside Valtteri for the last five years.

“Together, we’ve been part of a team that has delivered four Constructors’ Championships and we’ve motivated one another to keep pushing through the ups and the downs. He has been the best team-mate I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

“Your speed and resilience has been impressive but where you truly stand out to me is the human being you are and [a] gentleman. You are greater than you know and I know there’s a bright future ahead for you.

“Thank you Valtteri for all of your support and amazing contributions to this team. You will be missed. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours.”

It remains to be seen if Bottas will get another role within F1 before the start of next season. He has recently been linked with a return to Mercedes as a reserve and development driver, where he would support George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Bottas suggested earlier on Wednesday that his next move had already been lined up, saying: “When one door closes, another one opens and I’m actually very excited for the future and what’s next.”