Sauber will not race under the name Stake F1 in countries where the promotion of gambling is prohibited

Sauber has unveiled its new visual identity. A few months after announcing that the Swiss team was teaming up with the company Stake, the race car was revealed on February 6th. The C44, which will replace the Alfa Romeo C43, shows a drastic change, especially in terms of colors.

From now on, the brand’s name has been integrated into the team. However, Sauber will have to face several constraints. Stake is a gambling company. In some countries, such as Belgium, the promotion of these companies is prohibited. Therefore, the Swiss team will have to adapt its liveries to the host countries of the Grand Prix. The Stake F1 sponsor located on the car’s wings will be replaced by the logo of the sister company, Kick.

“Last year, we alternated between two different names, depending on the different countries we raced in,” explained Alessandro Alunni Bravi during the ceremony. “We will fully respect all applicable local laws. In countries where advertising for gambling is prohibited, we will use a different name. We have Kick as one of our most important partners. Our chassis name is Kick Sauber. So, where we will not be racing as Stake F1 Team, we will use a second name.”

No transition year

Sauber emphasized that 2023 and 2024 would not be transitional years. Despite Alfa Romeo’s departure in 2023 and Audi’s arrival in 2026, the Swiss group insisted on forging a new identity. Sponsoring and colors symbolize three completely different eras. The announcement event also featured a unique visual identity, with fluorescent green and a mansion setting.

“I think today you see a sort of testimony to our intentions for 2024,” said the Director of Stake F1. “This is just the beginning and we will show a lot of activity throughout the season. Of course, under the umbrella of Stake, there are different brands, including betting. But it is a very dynamic company that will help us expand our fan base and reach a new, very important target for our team and partners.”

During the announcement, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, alongside Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, stated that Stake had provided great freedom to the team. The engineer also shared the team’s new motto: « unleashed ».

« We all work together to offer better work and more performance. It is important that we have everything, the Italian explained. « An F1 team is not just a racing team. Of course, it’s a large-scale operation. And we have to work in all areas, on track, off track, technically, but also commercially. And with Stake, I believe that we’ll achieve important goals that will also bring added value to F1.

The winter testing will take place from February 21st, in Bahrain.