F1 star issues EMOTIONAL statement as official team exit confirmed

In a major shakeup within the Formula 1 driver market, Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese driver in F1, has confirmed his exit from Sauber following the 2024 season. This development comes after a series of impactful driver moves, led by Lewis Hamilton’s much-discussed switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton’s move created a domino effect that saw a flurry of additional transfers and seat announcements, leaving only two vacancies in F1 for next season as the grid reshaped itself heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix.

One of these remaining seats has now been taken, as Sauber officially confirmed that Gabriel Bortoleto will be joining the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg in 2025. With this decision, Sauber has also clarified that they will not be renewing the contracts of current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, concluding Zhou’s three-year tenure with the team. As Sauber struggles with a winless season and no points on the scoreboard, they appear to be focused on making bold moves to revamp their lineup in hopes of future improvements.

Zhou, who joined Sauber in 2022, has been a groundbreaking presence in the sport, as he not only represented Sauber but also his home country, China, in an environment that historically has been challenging for rookies to thrive. Upon learning that he will be leaving Sauber, the 25-year-old driver released an emotional statement expressing his gratitude to the team for giving him his initial break in Formula 1. Zhou shared his thoughts, emphasizing his commitment to finish his final races with Sauber on a high note and acknowledging the important role Sauber played in shaping his F1 career.

In his statement, Zhou thanked the team for giving him the platform to grow as a driver over his three seasons, highlighting the invaluable experiences he gained both on and off the track. Reflecting on his time with Sauber, Zhou noted that one of his most memorable career highlights was racing in front of his home crowd in China earlier in the 2024 season. He expressed pride in being able to represent his country on the global stage and emphasized that his journey with Sauber and the relationships he built would be memories he’d carry with him.

This announcement also raises questions about Zhou’s future in F1, as only one seat remains open for 2025. The remaining position is with VCARB, a team known for prioritizing in-house driver development, making it unlikely they’ll consider an external candidate like Zhou. With limited opportunities left in the F1 paddock, Zhou’s prospects of securing a position on next season’s grid appear slim, leading to speculation on whether he may explore other racing categories.

As F1 continues to experience one of its busiest and most transformative driver markets in recent history, Zhou’s departure from Sauber reflects the competitive and often uncertain nature of the sport, where performance, timing, and team strategies often shape a driver’s fate. Alongside Zhou, Valtteri Bottas will also leave Sauber, marking the end of an era for the team as they prepare to rebuild with their new driver lineup.

Zhou’s contributions to the sport, particularly as a trailblazer for Chinese representation in F1, have left an impact beyond his individual performance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Zhou’s career takes him next, whether within F1 or perhaps in another major racing series where his skills and experience can continue to evolve.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future, Zhou’s determination to finish the season with Sauber on a high note underscores his gratitude and dedication, traits that have defined his time with the team and his presence in Formula 1.