Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu arrived at the Sauber team in 2022 to begin three seasons together as teammates – without knowing how difficult it would turn out to be.
They have been stuck with the slowest car in the sport this season, having to wait 22 races before claiming any points.
Zhou’s amazing finish at the Qatar Grand Prix ensured that the Swiss outfit wouldn’t finish the year pointless for their efforts.
Neither have confirmed Formula 1 drives for 2025, so this could be the last team that either driver is seen on the grid – which is a big shame for both of them.
Valtteri Bottas thanks Zhou Guanyu for ‘real pleasure’ as teammates
One of the bigger shames for this driver pairing is that they are leaving the team when they are performing at their lowest.
Audi’s arrival should 2026 may help provide a much-needed injection of cash and reinvigorate a project which has lacked direction for a while.
With Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto driving for them from next year, they have an exciting and experienced line-up to go about things with.
READ MORE: Giedo van der Garde stunned by Valtteri Bottas’ ‘very negative’ comments about Sauber F1 management
But, it’s up to them to change the narrative and find a way to climb back through the midfield – an opportunity which should come around with the technical regulations change for 2026.
In a farewell Instagram post, Bottas thanked Zhou for their three years together as teammates, saying: “It’s been a real pleasure.”
Zhou gets down to business with Bottas reply
In typical Formula 1 driver fashion, Zhou’s response to Bottas’ post was one which defined the true racer that lies within him.
Underneath the Finn’s post, he replied: “Let’s have a good one Valtteri.”, indicating that he is focused on delivering one more good result before his departure.
Zhou admitted that Ferrari were ‘really interested’ in signing him as a reserve driver for 2025, but little has been heard a few weeks on from those rumours.
READ MORE: Valtteri Bottas could be the ‘first cab off the rank’ for 2026 race seat at one team after F1 exit
It leaves his future up in the air, much like his 10-time race-winning teammate, who is yet to sign anywhere and may have his eyes on a drive for 2026 instead.
With an extra team being added into the mix with Cadillac, there may be a chance that one, or even both of them land back on the grid in the future – but that’s something fans will have to wait before finding out.
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