Sacked F1 driver reached agreement with Lewis Hamilton hours after being axed

Zhou Guanyu confessed to sharing one of Lewis Hamilton's viewpoints just hours after getting axed by Sauber last year. The team featured a completely fresh driver lineup for 2025, with Zhou and Valtteri Bottas both departing at the end of the previous season.

Nico Hulkenberg transferred from Haas to spearhead Sauber, before they transform into an Audi outfit in 2026, and was joined by rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who has made quite the impression on his first season since being promoted from Formula 2.

Following the announcement that Zhou would not be returning to Sauber, he turned to social media with heartfelt words for Bottas as their collaboration drew to a close.

He saved his most glowing tribute for the Finn, writing on Instagram: "Loved every single moment we had, mate. Best team-mate ever."

Three years after Hamilton made a similar statement prior to Bottas' departure from Mercedes at the close of 2021, the pair's bond remains strong. They drove for the Silver Arrows for five seasons and have maintained their camaraderie in the subsequent years, often sharing flights to Grand Prix weekends.

Upon confirmation of Bottas' exit from Mercedes, Hamilton showered him with compliments, describing him as the ideal team-mate he could have hoped for. In an extensive post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Hamilton penned: "I'm immensely proud to have worked alongside Valtteri for the last five years."

He added, "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.

"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."

Zhou now works with Hamilton at Ferrari, as a reserve driver, while their close friend Bottas has secured a return to the grid next year with Cadillac.

He was announced, alongside former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, as the new team opted for two experienced stars as opposed to trusting youth.