F1 News: Valtteri Bottas Optimistic For Future Despite Alfa Romeo Woes

Valtteri Bottas has addressed the announcement of Zhou Guanyu's contract extension expressing confidence in the future of the team despite Alfa Romeo's title partnership with Sauber expiring in 2023.

Valtteri Bottas has expressed his relief now that his Alfa Romeo teammate is confirmed for 2024. Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu's contract was due to expire at the end of this season, however, an extension has now been announced by the team. 

Now, both Bottas and Guanyu's contract run until the end of the 2024 season. 

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Addressing the announcement in the press release from the team, Bottas commented:

“I have a feeling we have an exciting journey ahead of us, so I am happy and grateful to be able to look forward to 2024 knowing how the team is shaping up.

"There is a good atmosphere within our squad, I get along with Zhou and we both push each other hard to improve. There is an impressive amount of work going on behind the scenes, in Hinwil and beyond, and now that the line-up is set for next year, we can focus fully on improving, starting this weekend in Singapore already.

"Every step forward we make is a step forward for this year and next, so we are motivated to give everything we have every time we’re trackside or at the factory.”

There are some question marks about the future of Alfa Romeo  in Formula One with their title sponsorship deal with Sauber expiring at the end of this season. Sauber will be joining forces with Audi from 2026 and there have been rumours of Alfa Romeo partnering up with Haas for 2024 onwards, however, nothing has been confirmed yet. 

At least for now, fans know that the driver line-up with continue along with Théo Pourchaire who will continue as the teams reserve driver in 2024.