F1 News: Alfa Romeo Drivers Have High Hopes For 2024 As Ex-McLaren Director Set To Start

Valtteri Bottas And Zhou Guanyu look forward to a better season next year.

After a challenging 2023 season, Sauber Alfa Romeo drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have high hopes of the situation changing for the good next year with the recruitment of a new ex-McLaren Technical Director and the development of an entirely new car inspired by a new concept of design. 

The last season of Alfa Romeo as the title sponsor of the Sauber team concluded on a disappointing note, as Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu failed to secure any points in Abu Dhabi. 

Zhou finished in 17th place, while Bottas claimed the 19th spot at Yas Marina. This marked the end of the Italian brand's six-year partnership with Sauber, with Alfa Romeo finishing in ninth place in the Constructors' Championship.

Looking back at a difficult end to the 2023 season where he was able to secure seven top-10 finishes and 16 points for the team, Bottas said after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:

“The pace was not great today, I think that was the biggest issue of the race.

"We also tried two different strategies between the cars; I went for the one-stop hoping it would work but for us but it just didn’t, the tyres just wouldn’t last and the pace was just way off the window.

“Unfortunately, it’s slightly the story of the year – ultimately the biggest issue has been the raw pace. On the other hand, I’m glad it’s over now and next year everyone starts from zero again.”

The Finnish driver hopes that the recent takeover of the Technical Director role by ex-McLaren team member James Key will bring about some much-needed positive changes. He added:

“It’s been many changes in the team lately and I think positive changes.

“Also the concept of next year’s car looks interesting, so in that sense I do have hopes. Now we need to work hard for that and try again.”

Teammate Guanyu affirmed with Bottas that the new concept of the car should bring bigger improvements next year. He added:

“It’s been a long season but what was clear was that we already planned a few races ago that next year we will change completely the car, the whole concept of the design.

“I’m looking forward to obviously trying next year’s car because I think with the field, just picking up two or three tenths a lap you will be battling from the back to the midfield, so it’s super-important.

“Let’s see how everything goes over the winter but I’m quite optimistic about the new package we’ll have and I’m sure that will be a much bigger step.”