Valtteri Bottas reflects on the ‘most difficult’ season of his career as he and Zhou prepare for Kick Sauber exits

Kick Sauber pair Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have reflected on their “challenging” season ahead of their final race together in Abu Dhabi, with neither driver set to be on the grid next year.

The duo have competed alongside each other for three seasons, but with the team preparing for an Audi takeover when the regulations change in 2026, they are being replaced by veteran racer Nico Hulkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025.

After a positive start to the season was marred by a series of frustrating pit stop troubles, Sauber began to fall behind their rivals and quickly earned the unwanted label of the only team without a top 10 finish in 2024.

They finally shed that record last time out in Qatar, when Zhou crossed the line in eighth to net four points – however, their performance has still undoubtedly slumped compared to recent seasons.

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In Zhou’s rookie year, they scored 55 points and finished sixth in the constructors’ standings. This year, with swathes of internal staff changes and development focused on 2026, they are highly likely to be last in the order.

“It’s been a long, challenging season,” Bottas said ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. “It’s my feeling at this point that I’m happy to get over with this season that has been the most difficult in my career.

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“There’s always a new year and new opportunities. We’ll see what’s next. One more chance and I’m going to give it everything I have for the team and for the sport.

“I think they know they have a mountain to climb – they have lots of work to do. The team obviously has lacked stability in terms of personnel and leadership in the last year. Now it’s finally starting to shape up and there seems to be a more clear plan. It will be interesting to follow how they do, but next year no doubt will still be a challenge.”

Zhou Guanyu leads Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Kick Sauber C44 Ferrari on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit on December 01, 2024 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) — Zhou has made his mark as the only Chinese driver in Formula 1 history

Both drivers have been linked to reserve roles at other teams, but their exact next steps are still unconfirmed as they hope to end the season on a high, ideally with another points finish at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Zhou said: “The car is working much better and I’m in a much better, comfortable situation. I think this weekend points are possible again and we have to work hard for it. It’s not going to be easy but I’m sure we can give it our all and see what happens.

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“I think my next [step] will be staying in the paddock. I don’t know where I’m going, we’re still working on the future. There’s a few different interests we have and then next year is all about trying to be there.

“Everything is independent, everything is unknown with so many newcomers to the grid. I just want to be ready. When there’s a chance or opportunity, I’m ready to jump in.”