In shocking development, the official Sauber website no longer features any mention of Stake, the team’s title sponsor. Notably, Stake is a gambling platform. However, Kick, a streaming platform that Stake owns,, is still included in the branding. This development comes after the discourse regarding Stake’s legality in Switzerland and the possible legal challenges it poses for the F1 team.
Because of the potential legal ramifications of promoting gambling services in Switzerland and other F1 host nations, Sauber’s collaboration with Stake, a cryptocurrency casino operator, has drawn criticism. Concerns regarding the legitimacy of these promotions have been raised by the obvious presence of Stake’s branding on Sauber’s property.
Due to local laws, Sauber has been forced to think of alternate branding techniques, such as renaming the team and altering sponsor logos. This adaptable strategy demonstrates the group’s attempts to adhere to various international legal requirements.
Although the team is confident in their compliance strategies, the Federal Casino Commission has initiated proceedings against Sauber for partnering with an unlicensed operator like Stake. This highlights the potential legal ramifications, including significant fines.
Although Sauber has put out a statement claiming they are not concerned by the reported investigation in the gambling partnership.
“Sauber Motorsport AG have always complied and continue to comply with all existing regulations, both Swiss and of whichever country we race in,” Sauber said in an e-mailed statement to news agency AP on Wednesday. “The report of an ongoing investigation by the Swiss Authorities does not concern us: this is a procedure that will highlight our compliance with all applicable regulations.”