Bottas and Guanyu to stay with Alfa Romeo in 2024

Alfa Romeo has confirmed that Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will continue with the team for the 2024 season.

Before now, there had been uncertainty regarding Guanyu’s future with the team, with some speculations that he could be let go. Bottas, however, had since been confirmed to stay. Reserve driver Theo Pourchaire will also continue to be a part of the team.

The team has opted for “stability” as they navigate their transition into becoming a factory Audi effort by 2026, ending their association with Alfa Romeo after this season. They will compete under a new name in the next season, although the Audi brand is not expected to be officially introduced until its entry into Formula 1.

The Alfa Romeo Sauber team has faced challenges this season, currently occupying ninth place out of 10 teams in the constructors’ championship, just one point behind Haas, with eight races remaining in the season.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a representative of the team, emphasized the complementary skills of Bottas and Zhou and their ability to push each other, with Bottas,  who left Mercedes for Alfa Romeo at the end of the 2021 season, taking on a leadership role within the team. Bravi also noted Zhou’s impressive progress over the past two years and expressed expectations for his continued growth in 2024.

Bottas, whose contract expires at the end of next season, expressed optimism about the team’s future, citing the substantial work happening behind the scenes. Zhou, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Sauber and excitement about racing at his home grand prix in China, which is set to return to the F1 calendar next year.

Leon Osamor