P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas’ career in Formula 1 is set to be over at a time when he is still operating at a top level in the sport.
Sauber’s current driver line-up will not be retained beyond a third consecutive season, with Nico Hulkenberg joining Sauber on a multi-term deal in 2025. Valtteri Bottas or teammate Zhou Guanyu were expected to vacate their seats as a result. Despite Bottas being optimistic about extending his stay in Formula 1, discussions ended in mutual agreement to part ways, leading to Gabriel Bortoleto partnering Hulkenberg at Sauber in 2025. Sauber boss Mattia Binotto chose Bortoleto over Bottas, signaling a shift towards a revised line-up for the team’s future. Audi’s arrival at Sauber offers a chance to change the team’s underachieving trend, with the decision to invest in Bortoleto reflecting a strategic move towards the 2025 season.
