Kick Sauber made the announcement regarding current F2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto, who will join in a multi-year deal besides Nico Hülkenberg. It came out on the same day when a decision not to retain the current drivers—Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu—followed a tough and point-free season so far through 21 races.
This decision left Bottas and Zhou without a seat for the 2025 season.
For Bottas and Zhou, the announcement marked the end of a three-year association with Sauber. Sources indicated Bottas was eyeing a potential reserve role at Mercedes or even Audi for 2026; what Zhou’s next move would be was less clear, though.
Bottas later described his departure as tough and said discussions in recent months made it clear the project couldn’t take further steps with him in it. He referred to the time with Sauber as a growing-up period full of memories.
Bortoleto’s move to Europe marked a significant step in furthering his racing career. He became a Formula 3 champion, is currently leading Formula 2, and is, to put it mildly, embodying that Brazilian spirit.
Meanwhile, Bottas took to social media to thank everyone for the last three years and continue to wish everyone at Kick Sauber all the best.
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