Zhou Guanyu, the first Formula One (F1) driver from China, will part ways with Kick Sauber at the end of the 2024 season, both the team and driver confirmed on Wednesday. Zhou’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, will also be leaving the team.
“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,” Kick Sauber said in a statement. “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.”
Kick Sauber has been struggling during the 2024 campaign with no points after 21 race weekends. They have confirmed the signing of F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto alongside Nico Hulkenberg for next season.
Zhou joined Sauber in 2022 when they were known as Alfa Romeo. He has been partnering with Bottas since then. The 25-year-old Chinese driver has achieved two fastest laps and finished eighth for his career-best result at the Canadian Grand Prix in 2022.
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Zhou Guanyu will part ways with Kick Sauber after 2024 season
cgtn.com