What’s Next for Bottas and Zhou as Sauber Chooses Bortoleto for 2025?

Bottas Seeking a Reserve Role at Mercedes

For Valtteri Bottas, the 2025 season could be a defining moment in his F1 career. The 35-year-old Finn has faced a turbulent year at Sauber, having initially fallen out of favor with the team’s management, only to briefly regain his position after a managerial change. However, Bottas ultimately lost out to Bortoleto, the current F2 championship leader.

Despite these setbacks, Bottas remains determined and optimistic about his future. Even though Sauber’s car has been the slowest on the grid, often leaving Bottas without a chance to fight for points, he has remained committed to doing his best. Bottas’ experience and dedication have been clear, even if results haven’t always reflected it.

Having missed out on seat opportunities at Williams and Alpine, Bottas is now turning to a reserve role at Mercedes as a backup plan. After spending five years with the Silver Arrows, Bottas has built a strong relationship with Toto Wolff, the team principal, making him a valuable asset for Mercedes. In addition to being a potential substitute driver, Bottas’ extensive experience could benefit Mercedes in testing and simulator work, helping the team improve as they currently sit behind McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

For Bottas, securing a reserve role would keep him visible in the paddock while maintaining his focus on a potential race seat in 2026. While his chances of a full-time seat in 2025 seem slim, a role at Mercedes would allow him to stay sharp and continue contributing to the sport in a meaningful way. Talks between Bottas and Mercedes are reportedly set to accelerate as Sauber’s decision clears the path for Bottas to explore his future options.

Zhou Guanyu: Exploring New Racing Opportunities

Zhou Guanyu, the 25-year-old Chinese driver, is also facing an uncertain future at Sauber. After a promising debut in 2022, Zhou has struggled to consistently match his teammate Bottas in the following seasons. Mechanical issues have hindered his performance, and while Zhou has shown flashes of potential, his overall consistency has been lacking.

With Sauber’s decision to sign Bortoleto, Zhou now finds himself with fewer options to continue in Formula 1 for 2025. However, Zhou has options in other racing series, including Formula E, and his management team is actively exploring those avenues. Zhou has expressed a desire to stay in a competitive racing environment rather than taking on a reserve role in F1. His preference is to secure a seat in a racing program where he can continue to develop and compete at a high level.

Zhou has made a significant impact in F1, not only through his performances but also by bringing a new wave of fans to the sport with his debut. His next move will depend on the opportunities available to him in both Formula 1 and other motorsport disciplines.

A Defining Moment for F1

The decision by Sauber to sign Bortoleto signals a broader trend in Formula 1, where younger talents are increasingly taking center stage. For Bottas and Zhou, the 2025 season represents a crucial time for them to navigate their careers. Bottas is looking at a reserve role at Mercedes to stay involved in the sport, while Zhou is considering opportunities outside F1 in other racing series like Formula E.

Both drivers, while no longer part of Sauber’s future, will continue to seek opportunities that allow them to remain relevant and competitive in motorsport. Whether through a return to racing in 2026 or exploring other racing disciplines, Bottas and Zhou’s futures remain in flux, but their passion and determination will keep driving their next steps forward.

In conclusion, Bottas and Zhou are at a crossroads in their careers. While Bottas may transition into a reserve role at Mercedes, Zhou is eyeing opportunities in other racing formats. The F1 landscape is evolving, and these two experienced drivers will continue to play important roles in the sport’s future, even if they aren’t racing at the forefront.