George Russell sends message to departing Sauber F1 driver (Images via Getty)
Mercedes driver George Russell recently sent a farewell message to Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu, who will be departing from the team at the end of the 2024 F1 season. The Swiss-based team has decided to let go of the Chinese driver and come up with a brand new driver lineup for the 2025 F1 season.
Ever since the team hired Nico Hulkenberg as their permanent driver earlier this year, questions were raised about the existing driver who could be replaced by the German. This was because Sauber did not announce whether Valtteri Bottas or Zhou Guanyu would be replaced.
Gradually, rumors grew that the team might go for a completely fresh driver lineup, removing both Bottas and Zhou from the roster. Most recently, it was officially announced that both will be leaving the team. Sauber's new roster will consist of Nico Hulkenberg and F2 driver Gabriel Bortoleto.
