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SCMP Sport

Zhou Guanyu has announced he will be leaving his Formula One Sauber team at the end of the season, but said he was working on staying in the sport.
In a social media post released on Wednesday, the Chinese driver thanked fans for “their continued support” and said he was “totally focused” on showing people he could succeed at the elite level.
Sauber also on Wednesday announced the signing of Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto to complete the future Audi team’s driver line-up for 2025.
The Swiss-based team had earlier announced the departure of Zhou and Finland’s Valtteri Bottas.
Sauber, who become Audi in 2026, said in April that German driver Nico Hulkenberg – who is currently at Haas – would race for them next season.

The 20-year-old Bortoleto currently tops the F2 standings.
“This is one of the exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all sports,” Sauber quoted him as saying.
“Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.”
The 25-year-old Zhou, who has endured a difficult two years with Sauber, said he was “discussing a number of options” and would update everyone soon.
“I am immensely proud to represent my country as the first ever Chinese Formula 1 driver,” Zhou wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I hope that my racing continues to inspire others who are following my story.
“I am happy to have already achieved many things under difficult conditions in Formula 1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap and some memorable battles throughout the grid.
“Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward. I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of.”

Neither Zhou nor Bottas has managed to score a point for Sauber this year, and with just three races remaining – in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi – that is unlikely to change.
Said Sauber: “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.”
It is unclear what the future holds for the 35-year-old Finn Bottas, a former Williams and Mercedes driver.
Last month, he said he would consider returning to Mercedes as a reserve driver next year if he was not retained by Sauber.


Formula 1: Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu to leave Sauber, as Gabriel Bortoleto joins team

Las Vegas GP: Mercedes have no plans for Lewis Hamilton to call early end to team career

Brazil GP: Lando Norris rues Max Verstappen’s ‘lucky’ break, as Formula 1 title hopes fade

Brazil Grand Prix: Max Verstappen backs F2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto for vacant Sauber seat

Formula One (F1)

Sauber’s Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, seen here before the Mexico Grand Prix in October, has announced he is leaving the team at the end of the season. Photo: Xinhua

Brazil’s Gabriel Bortoleto will drive for Sauber for next season, beside Nico Hulkenberg. Photo: Reuters

Neither Zhou nor teammate Valtteri Bottas has scored a point for Sauber this year. Photo: AP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen says if he were Sauber, he would have signed Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto already. Photo: AP

The contract of Sauber’s Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu expires at the end of 2024. Photo: Xinhua

Lewis Hamilton’s mysterious message after the Brazilian GP has led to speculation he is ready to call a premature end to his Mercedes career before his switch to Ferrari next year. Photo: AFP

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton leaves the pits during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he finished 10th. Photo: AFP

Formula One: picking second driver looks like the easy part for new Sauber boss Binotto

Zhou Guanyu is expected to lose his seat with Sauber at the end of the season. Photo: Getty Images

New Sauber boss Mattia Binotto has some tough times ahead with the sport’s worst team. Photo: Getty Images

Max Verstappen won the Brazil Grand Prix despite starting from 17th spot and will wrap up his fourth consecutive title if he finishes ahead of Lando Norris in Las Vegas on November 23. Photo: dpa

McLaren’s British driver Lando Norris pits during a red flag in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Lando Norris (right) says Mercedes’ George Russell (left) deserved to win the race. Photo: Reuters

Sport

The 25-year-old Zhou, who has endured a tough 2 years with the Swiss-based outfit, says he is discussing several options to stay in the sport


The 25-year-old Zhou, who has endured a tough 2 years with the Swiss-based outfit, says he is discussing several options to stay in the sport.
