Valtteri Bottas now ‘expected to pursue’ alternative F1 role as Sauber confirm his release

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After months of speculation, Sauber have finally made an announcement on the future of their current drivers.

Sauber have endured a miserable season and with just three races left, they’re still searching for their first point of the year.

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu haven’t had an easy job on their hands as their car has been significantly slower than their rivals all season.

The team have also experienced significant change in their senior management roles with Mattia Binotto taking over from Andreas Seidl earlier this year.

Binotto’s biggest challenge has been deciding who to partner Nico Hulkenberg with for 2025.

The German was signed from Haas at the beginning of the campaign with a view to racing for Audi when they take over from Sauber in 2026.

He’s likely to have to endure a year of pain while watching on as his old team go from strength to strength under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu.

Journalist Lawrence Barretto has now shared on X what role Bottas is expected to try and pursue now that he knows he won’t have a race seat next year.

It could mean a reunion with his old team Mercedes but not in the position he’s likely to want to be in.

Valtteri Bottas ‘expected to pursue’ Mercedes reserve driver role after losing Sauber seat

In a statement on social media, Sauber said: “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.”

READ MORE: Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas’ life outside F1 from girlfriend to wine and gin

After the news was confirmed, Barretto said on X: “Valtteri Bottas will leave Sauber at the end of the season.

“The Finn is expected to pursue a reserve role with Mercedes in 2025. F2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto is expected to get his seat.”

Valtteri Bottas releases statement after losing Sauber seat

Bottas currently sits 23rd in the Drivers’ Championship behind Zhou and even released Williams driver Logan Sargeant.

That’s not a reflection on his talent of current ability levels, having performed well in the most recent race in Sao Paulo, barely missing out on reaching Q3 in qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future

However, after nearly 250 race starts, he’ll be wondering if that’s now the end of his Formula 1 career.

In a statement, the Finn said: “A situation like this is never easy for anyone. But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met.

“These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.

“I’m grateful for the joint experience as well as the trust and support I’ve felt every step of the way.

“Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.”

The Swiss team have already teased who Bottas’s replacement will be, with Gabriel Bortoleto the favourite to race for Sauber next year.