Breaking News; Zhou Guanyu just signed a contract of $135 million with Mercedes after being sacked by Axed….
Axed F1 driver in agreement with Lewis Hamilton hours after being sacked
Zhou Guanyu and Lewis Hamilton are both particularly fond of Valtteri Bottas (Image: GETTY)
Zhou Guanyu has admitted to sharing one of Lewis Hamilton’s viewpoints just hours after being axed by Stake. The team formerly known as Sauber will have an all-new pairing from 2025, with Zhou and Valtteri Bottas set to leave at the end of this year.
Nico Hulkenberg will move across from Haas to lead Stake into next season before they become the Audi works team in 2026. He will be joined by Gabriel Bortoleto, who is currently top of the Formula Two standings heading into the final two races.
After the news was confirmed on Wednesday morning, Zhou took to social media with some kind words for Bottas ahead of their partnership coming to an end.
He reserved the highest praise for the Finn, posting on Instagram: “Loved every single moment we had, mate. Best team-mate ever.”
It has been confirmed that Bottas will leave Stake at the end of the season
It has been confirmed that Bottas will leave Stake at the end of the season (Image: GETTY)
Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 news
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It comes three years after Hamilton made a similar statement before Bottas left Mercedes at the end of 2021. The pair drove for the Silver Arrows for five seasons and have remained close in the following years, often sharing flights to Grand Prix weekends.
When it was confirmed that Bottas would be leaving Mercedes, Hamilton lavished him with praise and described him as the best team-mate he could have wished for.
In a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter, Hamilton wrote: “I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside Valtteri for the last five years.
“Together, we’ve been part of a team that has delivered four Constructors’ Championships and we’ve motivated one another to keep pushing through the ups and the downs. He has been the best team-mate I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
SUBSCRIBE
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Your speed and resilience has been impressive but where you truly stand out to me is the human being you are and [a] gentleman. You are greater than you know and I know there’s a bright future ahead for you.
“Thank you Valtteri for all of your support and amazing contributions to this team. You will be missed. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours.”
It remains to be seen if Bottas will get another role within F1 before the start of next season. He has recently been linked with a return to Mercedes as a reserve and development driver, where he would support George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Bottas suggested earlier on Wednesday that his next move had already been lined up, saying: “When one door closes, another one opens and I’m actually very excited for the future and what’s next.”
