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      Iconic 1980s chocolate bar brand now worth £1.7BILLION to be new sponsor of F1 in groundbreaking deal

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      FORMULA ONE have announced a stunning sponsorship deal with iconic chocolate bar brand KitKat.The multi-year partnership will begin in 2025 to mark the 90th anniversary of KitKat and the 75th anniversary of F1.F1 have agreed a global brand deal with KitKatCredit: PAThe deal will run from 2025 to 2028Credit: ReutersIt is understood the deal will see trackside advertising for the Nestle-owned product start in Mexico and Brazil before expanding throughout the world in 2026.According to Reuters, the goal of the deal, which will run until 2028, is for KitKat to expand its appeal and global reach to shoppers under 30 years old.A statement from Chris O’Donnell, KitKat’s global category leader, said: “(The deal is) a key part of our strategy to move from what’s a very local model today, very fragmented.”While O’Donnell did not disclose the monetary value of the deal, he added: “We’re now back to pre-COVID levels of investment (in marketing in KitKat). READ MORE IN F1″That’s a significant change, and we anticipate to keep investing behind the brands.”The brand’s budget has risen by 20 per cent this year and is said to be worth more than £1.7billion ($2.3bn).On the deal, Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at F1, said: “We’re delighted to have such a globally recognised and fun brand as KitKat joining us as a partner. “They’re universally loved, and we can’t wait to see the fantastic experiences they’ll be bringing to our fans at the track and the new audiences they’ll introduce to the sport.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNestle’s Bernard Meunier, Head of Strategic Business Units and Marketing and Sales said: “F1 is a global phenomenon with a rapidly growing, diverse fanbase, especially among younger audiences. “With its global reach and packed schedule, F1 offers KitKat the perfect platform to remind everyone to make time for a break. F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “We’re excited to bring our signature sense of fun to this thrilling sport and to create memorable experiences for fans around the world.”A statement on KitKat’s website added: “This strategic partnership will feature interactive on-the-ground experiences at Grand Prix, trackside branding, special-edition F1 products and playful, humorous digital content amongst other exciting Break-centric initiatives, offering a fun and surprising contrast to the thrill of each race day and uniting two passionate global fanbases.”As part of the sponsorship agreement, Nestle will give away hundreds of race tickets.The deal marks a major strategy shift for Nestle.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁The 160-year-old company typically strikes deals on a country-by-country basis, rather than one global brand deal.Last month F1, who are owned by Liberty Media, reached a 10-year deal with French luxury giant LVMH covering Louis Vuitton, Moet Hennessy and TAG Heuer brands.The motorsport also has a global beer sponsorship deal with Heineken that has been in place since 2016, while there is also a regional deal in place in Latin America with McDonalds.F1 alone is valued at around £13.8bn, according to Forbes, while owners Liberty Media are worth £16.8bn. READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is more than Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, who own Arsenal, the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Rapids and are valued at almost £9.7bn.At the end of the year, Liberty Media will also become the main shareholder for MotoGP after striking a £3.6bn deal in April of this year.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      Michael Schumacher’s F1 star son Mick opens up on life with dad after accident and reveals ‘I had to find my own feet’

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son Mick has candidly opened up on life after his dad’s devastating ski accident in a rare interview.Schumacher’s family have been fiercely private when it comes to Michael’s health since he sustained life-changing injuries in the French Alps in 2013.Mick Schumacher has opened up on his relationship with his dad in a rare book interviewThe 25-year-old heartbreakingly revealed: ‘I had to find my own feet’Schumacher is arguably the greatest driver in F1 historyHis long-term wife Corinna has even created a so-called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.Mick, who was only 14 at the time of his dad’s accident, pursued his dream of reaching F1 without the icon’s guidance.He raced with Haas for two seasons before becoming a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023, the team his dad came out of retirement to race for between 2010 and 2012.In a new book “Inside Mercedes F1”, author Matt Whyman, who had unrestricted access to the team, includes a conversation with Mick about his father’s influence.READ MORE ON F1The 25-year-old told Whyman: “I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did.”He was really supportive and a lot of fun, but could also be challenging. “One time in a karting race I braked very late going into a corner and gained a lot of time. When I told him about it, he said, ‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’.”Whenever he felt like I was not taking it seriously, he would say, ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we do not need to do all of this’.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I insisted that I wanted to race and he said, ‘Okay, then let’s do it properly’. So we started doing more European karting and I was getting better.”Mick later explained that learned “a lot of technical points” from his dad that he “still uses today”.Formula One’s Highest EarnersHe added: “I started racing in the Formula classes the year after the accident and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet.”I started karting aged three. I was six when I first went scuba diving. Aged 10 I was skydiving. “My dad was always very open to me trying out whatever I wanted to do and racing is all I wanted to do, because I enjoyed it the most.”Schumacher fell metres away from a popular ski slope that resulted in critical head injuries when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.The F1 legend fractured his skull on another rock and was left with a brain injury. He was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma after surgery on his brain.Schumacher is being cared for by his wife CorrinaThe F1 legend had a tragic ski accident 11 years agoThe coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Schumacher hasn’t been seen publicly since the accident or even heard from.But he is said to have recently broke cover to attend his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca.Mick, who also attended his sister Gina’s nuptials, is dating model Laila Hasonovich.The Bosnian-born social media star was forced to rubbish the rumours surrounding her and the Mercedes reserve driver’s engagement this week.In a post on her Instagram showing off her jewellery, she wrote: “And no it’s not an engagement ring u guys.”Hasonovich, 23, has reportedly been let into the inner circle of people who are able to see Schumacher.The lingerie model was given the vote of confidence before Gina Schumacher’s wedding.Meawnwhile, unlike the successes enjoyed by his dad, who shares the record with Lewis Hamilton (seven) for the most titles, F1 has proven an unforgiving environment for Mick. He looks set for another season on the sidelines after failing to win a permanent seat for the upcoming campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was reportedly an option for the vacant Sauber seat – however that has now been taken up by F2 talent Gabriel Bortoleto.He was also snubbed by Williams when they needed a replacement for the under-performing Logan Sargeant, but they instead opted for Franco Colapinto.Mick Schumacher with his girlfriend Laila HasanovicF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      F1 star Valtteri Bottas ‘completes Ironman triathlon’ in his own back garden just days after being axed by Sauber

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS was woken up at the crack of dawn to attempt a stunning IRONMAN triathlon in his own BACK GARDEN.The F1 star, 35, clearly hasn’t let Sauber’s decision NOT to renew his contract get to him.Valtteri Bottas incredibly took an an Ironman triathlon in his back gardenThe F1 ace was recently let go by SauberHe started by swimming more than 200 lengths in his infinity poolBottas got up at the crack of dawn to complete the stunning featBottas might make use of his spare time next season to complete an actual Ironman.But for now, he has three rounds of racing to see out before 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto nicks his seat at Sauber – soon to be Audi.Bottas’ bizarre, but brilliant, Ironman challenge was documented on his pal’s Instagram story on Friday.Photographer Paul Ripke was there to egg on the F1 ace as he first jumped in his pool in the early hours of the morning.READ MORE F1 NEWSBottas was tasked with swimming more than 200 LENGTHS of his infinity pool, to make up the 2.4 miles, or 3.8km, of an Ironman distance.The former Mercedes driver and old team-mate of Lewis Hamilton did enjoy some sweet treats and coffee in-between lengths.After that, he then jumped on an exercise bike to complete the 112-mile cycling component.Which would take 10 HOURS at 10 miles per hour.Most read in MotorsportHe reportedly took five hours in the middle cycling sectionFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAt one point, the Finnish ace looked completely out of sorts as Ripke wiped an ice cube down his back.His helper then opted for more moral support and began running on a treadmill beside him.SunSport and Valterri Bottas visit £2 Mexican taco stand which has first ever Michelin starBottas posted his results on his Instagram story hours laterRipke later posted: “After five hours, the end of cycling without a bib is approaching. What should he do before he runs a marathon?”And in extraordinary scenes, Bottas then walked off the peloton and straight onto the treadmill to start his 26.2 mile run.German Olympic triathlon champ Jan Frodeno, who won gold at Beijing in 2008, then FaceTimed to “check on Bottas”.Bottas posted his Ironman time on his Instagram story just nine hours ago. He burned 7,101 calories and his moving time adds up to 10 hours, 57 minutes – but we can’t be certain that was his overall time.He then re-shared a picture of himself enjoying a glass of red wine with a pot of dinner, sitting opposite Tokyo 2020 Olympic cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.READ MORE SUN STORIESCardio, as a result, is a massive part of an F1 driver’s workout, including interval training.They perform under extreme conditions, as the G-force and humidity sees them lose between 4.4lbs and 6.6lbs on average per race.The final section saw him complete a marathon on a treadmillThe F1 ace enjoyed some downtime with friends afterwards More

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      ‘We have some news to share’, teases F1 chief as he reveals major shake-up to calendar with Europe LOSING huge races

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      SOME much-loved European Grands Prix face the prospect of hosting races on a rotational basis sooner rather than later.F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali teased that he “had some news to share” as a few European circuits prepare to learn their fate.Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that plans are in place to make a controversial change to the F1 race calendarA host of European tracks will lose their year-by-year right to hold racesA selection of Europe’s finest tracks might be forced to hold races on a bi-annual basis, starting in 2026.Domenicali has revealed that some events will have to forego their year-by-year pattern with another event.With a record-breaking 24 rounds already crammed onto the F1 calendar, the scope for adding new venues is now arguably smaller than ever.The former Lamborghini CEO said: “We have some news to share very, very soon with regard to the possibility in the mid-term to have some rotational European Grand Prix and some other new options coming later.READ MORE ON F1″This is something that, of course, we will clarify in the due course. It is true that we have a large demand of new possible venues that want to come in.”We believe that the balance we have in terms of numbers [of races] is the right one, so 24 is the balanced number that we feel is right.”I do believe that all the propositions that are coming on our table are giving us the possibility to make even better choices for our future.”Many of the European circuits are some of the most popular on the calendar, with the Belgian, Italian and British Grands Prix high on the list of the most exciting races each season.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSF1 now spans across four different continents, with the FIA keen to further grow the sport’s presence in the United States with three races – in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas – currently held there.There are also talks about a further race in South America and a return to South Africa for the first time since 1993.Formula 1 chaos as Brazilian GP qualifying POSTPONED due to heavy rain with drenched fans left waiting for hoursRwanda have also pleaded for the chance to host a Grand Prix.Representatives of the Rwanda Development Board travelled to Monaco earlier this year to meet with the FIA.In fact, seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton stressed that F1 can not continue to “ignore Africa”.Monaco is also up for renewal after 2025 but a rotational option for the famed principality race is thought to be unlikely.Zandvoort in the Netherlands has long been linked with a rotational deal with Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.Zandvoort could also swap yearly with Barcelona – while Monza and Imola in Italy might share hosting duties for the Italian Grand Prix.Madrid joins the calendar in 2026 with a city street circuit, while races at Silverstone, Budapest and Austria have long-term deals into the 2030s.And fans are largely less than happy with the proposals.Taking to X one wrote: “It’s the start. Classic staple F1 tracks will be replaced by soulless street circuits that have the biggest wallets.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second added: “Rotate the street tracks, these cars are not made for narrow street circuits!”A third said: “That actually makes a championship harder. There’s removed predictability of development.” More

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      Lewis Hamilton ‘already knows when he will retire’ as incoming Ferrari star ‘has very clear plan ahead of him’

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has reportedly already planned his Formula One retirement. The seven-time world champion will join up with Ferrari from next season on a multi-year £100million contract. Lewis Hamilton is switching to Ferrari from Mercedes next seasonCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old has yet to reveal when he plans to step away from F1Credit: SplashHamilton announced his shock switch to the Italian giants in February. The 39-year-old has been with Mercedes since 2013 after a move from McLaren.Hamilton said earlier this year: “I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I’m so proud of what we have achieved together.”The Brit driver will race for Ferrari in 2025 and 2026, but his long-term future remains uncertain. READ MORE ON F1Author Matt Whyman, who has written a book on the history of Mercedes, spoke with Hamilton ahead of his Ferrari switch.And he claims the Stevenage native has a “very clear plan” on when he will step away from racing. Whyman told The Mirror: “I asked him directly what was going on and he just said, ‘It is every kid’s dream who gets involved in motor racing to race a Ferrari, and that is it – I did not want to get to the end of my career and look back and go, what if?’”He says he knows when the end of his career will be, he has got this very clear plan ahead of him.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He said it is really meaningful to him, the fact that he has won all these races with Mercedes and he has been on this journey.”The one thing he had not done and he just thought, ‘I do not want to walk away and go, I wish I had done that’.”Mercedes made ‘clear mistake’ that ‘ruined’ Lewis Hamilton’s chances in Singapore GP and left him ‘so angry’Hamilton has racked up 105 wins in F1 since making his debut way back in 2007. He admitted earlier this season he “will know” when it’s finally time to step out of the car.Asked if he had a timeframe for retirement by Esquire, he said: “I definitely do.”There are days I’m like, shoot, I don’t know how much longer I can go.”I’ve just got to strategise and sequence things.Inside track on Hamilton’s lifeLEWIS HAMILTON has driven his way into pole position as Formula One’s most prolific winner.”I’m very much about sequencing, like looking at brands that I collaborate with, companies that I’m essentially starting, how I manage my time between all those, and how I’m able to dedicate myself to this job still.”Is there a time when I’m not all in and I’m just not in love with it anymore?READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s the moment that hopefully never happens, in the sense that I’ve fallen out of love with it.”But I will know when I need to stop.” More

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      Furious F1 drivers release 330-word statement demanding they are treated like ‘adults’ after swearing row

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      FORMULA 1 drivers have hit back at punishments for swearing by calling on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to treat them like adults.Defending world champion Max Verstappen, 27, was sanctioned by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, back in September after describing his car as “f***ed” during a media press conference in Singapore.Max Verstappen was sanctioned after swearing in a press conference in SeptemberCredit: GettyThen last month, Charles Leclerc received a €10,000 fine (£8,300) – €5,000 of which is suspended for 12 months – for swearing during a presser for the Mexican Grand Prix.In the wake of his punishment, Verstappen answered a host of questions with “no comment”.When discussing swearing as a rule breach, he then said: “What are we? Five-year-olds, six-year-olds?”Now the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which includes all 20 drivers on the 2024 grid, have released a statement on the matter.READ MORE IN F1They have urged the sport’s bosses to appreciate a distinction between “swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation”.The GPDA also warned Ben Sulayem about his “tone and language” towards the drivers, insisting their “members are adults” and they “do not need to be given instructions via the media”.The statement went on to raise concerns over the “negative image financial fines bring to the sport”.Three-time world champion Verstappen sensationally revealed the swearing storm could impact his future in the sport if changes are not made.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGrand Prix Drivers’ Association full statementAs is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee’s decision, whether they like it or not, indeed whether they agree with it or not. That is how sport works. The Drivers (our members) are no different, and fully understand that.Our members are professional drivers, racing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are the gladiators and every racing weekend they put on a great show for the fans.With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation.We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants.The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that Driver monetary fines are not appropriate for our Sport. For the past 3 years, we have called upon the FIA President to share the details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent. We have also relayed our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the Sport. We once again request that the FIA President provides financial transparency and direct, open dialogue with us. All stakeholders (FIA, F1, the Teams and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and where the money is spent for the benefit of our Sport.The GPDA wishes to collaborate in a constructive way with all the stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote our great Sport for the benefit of everyone who works in it, pays for it, watches it, and indeed loves it. We are playing our part.He said: “These kind of things definitely decide my future, if you can’t be yourself or you have to deal with these silly things.”I’m now at the stage of my career that you don’t want to be dealing with this all the time. It’s really tiring. Lewis Hamilton celebrates ‘biggest honour of my F1 career’ in front of delighted crowd despite disastrous Brazilian GP”Of course it’s great to have success and win races, but once you’ve accomplished all of that, then you want to just have a good time as well.”If you have to deal with all these kinds of silly things, for me that is not a way of continuing in this sport, that’s for sure.”Last weekend, Verstappen came from 17th on the grid to win the Brazilian Grand Prix.The result sees the Red Bull star take a huge step towards a fourth successive drivers’ championship.He leads McLaren’s Lando Norris by 62 points with just three races remaining. More

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      Mercedes insider reveals Lewis Hamilton early exit decision but team will refuse to make an official statement

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      LEWIS HAMILTON will race the final three Grands Prix of the year after rumours suggested otherwise, according to a Mercedes insider.The seven-time world champion had sensationally hinted that he could leave Mercedes early after a “disastrous” weekend in Brazil. Lewis Hamilton will not leave Mercedes early, according to a Mercedes insiderHamilton made cryptic comments to his team after he finished 10th in an action-packed race at Interlagos.The 39-year-old expressed gratitude to his engineers after suggesting it could be the “last time” he drives for the Silver Arrows.With his blockbuster move to Ferrari on the horizon, Hamilton gave a brutally honest message as he earned a point after starting at P16.He said: “That was a disaster of a weekend guys. That is the worst the car has ever been.READ MORE ON F1″But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop.”If this is the last time that I get to perform, its a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” Speaking after the race, Hamilton even suggested that he would “happily” take the rest of the year off despite three rounds remaining.But Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater has squashed the rumours surrounding an early exit.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It is far fetched and it isn’t correct. He is going to be finishing the season with Mercedes.”People are putting two and two together and saying maybe, if Lewis wants to go, this could give Antonelli an early start in F1 to ground him for his first full season. It’s not the case. F1 Driver Salaries in 2024: How Much Do They Make? “Not entirely clear exactly what he meant on the radio, but I’ve been in touch with a senior figure at the Mercedes team who has told me that Lewis Hamilton will be completing the season with the team.”And it was pointed out to me that in some other interviews, he talked about the kind of car he hoped Mercedes would give him in these last three races.”I have it on very good authority that there’s no way he’s going to step aside before the season’s end.”I don’t think the team want to dignify this kind of thing with an official statement.”In fact, Hamilton’s message was likely aimed at team members working in Sao Paulo who will not be at the final three rounds of the season.Hamilton has just three races remaining with Mercedes before joining Ferrari – in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.Kimi Antonelli, 18, will join up with George Russell at Mercedes next year.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      F1 legend Valtteri Bottas’ career may be OVER as ‘most exciting project in all sport’ signs 20-year-old to replace him

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      VALTTERI BOTTAS’ career in Formula One could be OVER after he lost his Sauber seat this week.Sauber – soon to be Audi – have signed 20-year-old Gabriel Bortoleto, who is the current Formula 2 championship leader, to replace Bottas.Valtteri Bottas has lost his seat at SauberGabriel Bortoleto has won the second seat at Sauber, soon-to-be AudiBottas and Zhou Guanyu had been the Swiss team’s line-up since 2022 but their end-of-season departures were confirmed on Wednesday.The report that Bottas’ deal will not be renewed came shortly before Bortoleto’s expected signing was formally announced.Bortoleto will become the fourth full-time rookie on the F1 grid next season after completing Sauber’s line-up for 2025.Bortoleto will race for the team alongside Nico Hulkenberg. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBortoleto will join fellow full-season rookies Oliver Bearman (Haas), Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Jack Doohan (Alpine) on the grid for 2025 in the biggest upheaval of the F1 field for some time.He said: “This is one of the most exciting projects in motorsport, if not in all of sports.”Joining a team that combines the rich motorsport history of Sauber and Audi is a true honour.”Audi took a 100 per cent stake in Swiss company Sauber in March, with the team set to debut in 2026.Most read in MotorsportBottas has failed to win a single point with Sauber and sits bottom of the current F1 standings.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSauber’s all-new line-up is part of a number of major changes taking place at Hinwil ahead of its evolution into Audi’s F1 team from 2026.Bortoleto will become the first Brazilian to race full-time in F1 since Felipe Massa in 2017. Lando Norris tells reporter ‘I hate this question so much’ and shakes head as battle with Verstappen takes fresh twistThe McLaren junior is the reigning Formula Three champion and currently leads the F2 standings in his rookie season with two rounds remaining.Bottas, a 10-time Grand Prix winner with Mercedes, was leading the chase to stay with Sauber for a fourth year over the summer, only for talks to stall in recent months.But Sauber chief Mattia Binotto favours youth in the second seat to partner the experienced Hulkenberg, 37, from next year.Speaking after Wednesday’s announcement, Bottas said: “A situation like this is never easy for anyone. “But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met.”These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.”With the only remaining spot on the 2025 grid being at VCARB, Bottas’ time as a full-time F1 driver looks to be over.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the 35-year-old could be offered a lifeline by former team Mercedes, who could sign him as reserve driver.Kimi Antonelli, 18, is replacing Lewis Hamilton at the Silver Arrows next term, with the seven-time champ heading to Ferrari.Kimi Antonelli will come in for Hamilton at the end of the season More