P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu are to leave the Stake F1 Team after three seasons at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will be leaving the Stake F1 Team at the end of the 2024 season, as announced by the team. The experienced Finn and the third-year Chinese driver were in contention to partner Nico Hulkenberg in 2025, but new Sauber Motorsport head Mattia Binotto has been exploring other options, such as Mick Schumacher and F2 title hopeful Gabriel Bortoleto. Bottas and Zhou joined the team in 2022, and their third season together has seen a significant decline in results, with the Stake-branded car yet to score any points. Both drivers will not be on the grid for 2025, with Bottas potentially returning as a third driver for Mercedes, while Zhou’s future remains uncertain. An announcement regarding Hulkenberg’s new teammate is expected soon. Bottas expressed gratitude for his time with the team, acknowledging the difficult situation and looking forward to the future, while Zhou thanked the team for the opportunity to be the first Chinese F1 driver and remains committed to finishing the season strongly, eager for the next chapter in his career.
