Alfa Romeo confirms Bottas and Zhou for 2024
Zhou Guanyu, Théo Pourchaire and Valtteri Bottas // Sauber Media
Alfa Romeo announced its decision to head into the 2024 season with an unchanged driver line-up. Current drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, are set to continue their collaboration with the Hinwil-based team for a third consecutive year.
The announcement was made ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. This move emphasizes Alfa Romeo's approach of building stability over the last two seasons, reinforcing their commitment to the team's growth and development.
Valtteri Bottas, a seasoned driver with ten race wins to his name, is entering the third segment of a multi-year agreement that began in 2022. This alliance has borne fruit, especially during the crucial initial phase of the new regulations introduced that year. Moreover, outside of the track, Bottas's relationship with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team has given rise to a multitude of fascinating initiatives.
On the other hand, Zhou Guanyu made history in 2022 by becoming the first Chinese driver in Formula One. His maiden journey showcased not only his swift capabilities and skills, honed from his time in junior formulas, but also his meticulousness and attention to technical nuances. As Zhou no longer wears the 'rookie' tag, his second year demonstrated maturity, gaining more internal support from the team and solidifying the decision to prolong the partnership.
Furthermore, Alfa Romeo has extended its ties with Théo Pourchaire, the 2023 FIA F2 championship frontrunner, retaining him as a reserve driver. At a mere 20 years of age, Pourchaire has commendably balanced his racing commitments while providing significant contributions in Hinwil's simulator.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the team representative, lauded the continued partnership with both drivers, emphasizing the deliberate choice to prioritize stability. "Valtteri has taken a real leader’s role within the team, pushing us all to give our best; Zhou has made impressive steps forward in the last two years and we expect him to continue on this trajectory in 2024. Now the baton is back to us – we have to give both drivers a good car and put them in the best conditions to perform," said Bravi. He also expressed satisfaction over Pourchaire's extended association with the team.
Speaking about the continuation with the team, Bottas mentioned the optimistic trajectory ahead and stressed the team's behind-the-scenes efforts. "Now that the line-up is set for next year, we can focus fully on improving, starting this weekend in Singapore already," Bottas stated.
Zhou Guanyu expressed gratitude for the trust vested in him by Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake. Emphasizing his harmonious relationship with Bottas, Zhou shared his anticipation for the chance to race on his home turf in China.
Reserve driver, Théo Pourchaire, equated the team to family, acknowledging the unwavering support he has received. He is keen to give back by performing at his peak in F2 in Abu Dhabi.
With a line-up echoing continuity and the collective ambition to evolve, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is poised for an intriguing season ahead.