Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas are both vying for the opportunity to continue with Sauber in 2025, but there is only one seat up for grabs.
Audi F1 have reportedly already decided upon the fates of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu at the end of this season, with both drivers out of contract at the conclusion of 2024.
At most, only one driver would retain their place with the team anyway, with the upcoming arrival of Nico Hülkenberg already confirmed for next season, but a report from Germany claims that both drivers are set to make way.
Both Bottas and Zhou set to miss out on Audi F1 seat, report claims
When the German driver secured one of the Audi F1 seats, fulfilling the team’s expectations upon their entry into the sport, it leaves one remaining cockpit to be filled by the time Sauber is fully taken over by the manufacturer in 2026.
But even though both drivers are looking to stake a claim for the seat, especially so if number one target Carlos Sainz goes elsewhere, German publication Sport Bild claims the team’s mind is already made up on their current line-up.
The report writes: “It remains to be seen who will be Hülkenberg’s team-mate. One thing is clear: neither the expiring contract of Valtteri Bottas (34) nor that of Zhou Guanyu (24) will be extended.
“In the case of both drivers, those responsible around boss [Andreas] Seidl are not convinced that they can fulfil Audi’s ambition: to establish themselves among the top teams, such as Red Bull and Mercedes, and compete for world championships.”
Who will be on the grid in the F1 2025 and 2026 seasons?
F1 2025 driver line-up: Who is already confirmed for the 2025 grid?
F1 2026: Confirmed teams and power unit suppliers for F1’s huge regulation changes
Zhou and Bottas are both eager to secure their futures in the sport as soon as possible. While Zhou aims to secure a multi-year contract with Sauber or another team, Bottas expressed surprise at Hulkenberg joining the team next season and discussed the progress of his own negotiations.
He informed the media in Miami that while the timing is indeed early and slightly unexpected, it is apparent that the driver market is beginning to shift, and it somewhat makes logical sense.
“He is German, and Audi has clearly expressed their preference for a German driver, so everything seems to be in order. Let’s wait and see what unfolds next.”
Regarding his own future prospects, he expressed uncertainty, stating, “I am unsure. As I have engaged in conversations with various teams, progress has been made to varying degrees. Therefore, only time will tell.”
Read next: ‘Carlos Sainz to Red Bull confirmed’ – Sainz Sr announcement sends fan speculation into overdrive
