F1 Dutch Grand Prix: Robert Shwartzman to Replace Valtteri Bottas at Sauber for FP1

Robert Shwartzman will step in for Valtteri Bottas during the first practice session of the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix at Kick Sauber.  This session will fulfil the team's mandatory requirement to give a rookie driver two FP1 runs this season. Although new to Sauber, Shwartzman has prior Formula 1 experience, having driven for Ferrari in practice sessions in 2022 and 2023. According to Formula 1 regulations, rookie drivers (with two or fewer Grand Prix starts) must participate in at least two FP1 sessions per season for their teams. Shwartzman's appearance satisfies Kick Sauber's obligation for 2024. The Sauber chose Shwartzman for this opportunity over academy drivers Zane Maloney and Theo Pourchaire. After Shwartzman's FP1 run, Bottas will return to the car for the remaining sessions of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. 

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F1; Sauber's 2024 Season So far

Sauber remains the only Formula 1 team without a championship point in the 2024 season, facing a challenging year as it prepares to transition into the works Audi F1 team in 2025.

Off the track, the team has also experienced difficulties. Audi recently terminated the contracts of Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl and board member Oliver Hoffmann. The management of the F1 project has now been entrusted to former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto.

F1: Driver Market

Sauber has successfully signed Nico Hülkenberg from Haas for the 2025 season but lost out to Williams in the race for Carlos Sainz. Concerns about Audi's 2026 engine and Sauber's current performance are believed to have influenced Sainz's decision.

Also Read: F1: McLaren's Oscar Piastri Reveals X-Ray of Broken Bone, Overcame Injury for Maiden Win

With limited options remaining for the 2025 grid, Alpine and Sauber are the potential destinations for the remaining two seats. Alpine is reportedly considering Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, while Sauber has already secured Hülkenberg. Valtteri Bottas will compete with Zhou Guanyu for the second seat at Sauber.