Sauber has unveiled its fresh chapter known as the ‘Stake F1 Team’ with a revamped design on its 2024 Formula 1 car, the C44. Departing from tradition, Sauber held its launch event in the United Kingdom instead of its home country of Switzerland. The team had been operating under the Alfa Romeo name since 2019, but the partnership ended last season as Sauber gears up to become an Audi entry in 2026. The FIA’s entry list in December confirmed that the team will now be known as ‘Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber’, with Kick also securing exclusive naming rights to Sauber’s chassis. This collaboration with the streaming platform will span the next two seasons before the arrival of the German brand coincides with the sport’s upcoming regulation reset. To mark the partnership with Kick, a subsidiary of parent company Stake, Sauber introduced a modified livery featuring neon green accents at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix. The team’s car for the current season will showcase a carbon base with the same green color integrated throughout as a representation of Kick’s ongoing involvement. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a representative of the team, expressed excitement about the new era, stating, “There’s a new identity for our team, as we enter as Stake F1 Team. We witnessed numerous changes, making this a thrilling period for us. This year, we will witness various transformations within our team, thanks to this significant partnership with Stake, one of the world’s leading entertainment and lifestyle brands.”
To comply with regulations on promoting gambling in certain countries like Australia, Belgium, Spain, and Qatar, Stake’s branding was not present on the C43 at certain times last year.
The team recently announced that in 2024, they will alternate between branding as Stake F1 Team and Kick F1 Team based on marketing decisions and other factors.
Meanwhile, Sauber is aiming to bounce back from a challenging season last year, which resulted in them dropping from sixth to ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Due to the struggles faced in the second season with the latest ground effect cars, Jan Monchaux stepped down as Technical Director, and James Key was appointed as his replacement.
Key, who left McLaren in the middle of last year, has overseen the development of a completely new car as Sauber hopes to address the limitations of its predecessor.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, a member of the Sauber board since 2017, will resume his role as Team Representative, while Andreas Seidl will continue as the group’s CEO.
Valtteri Bottas has retained his contract for this season, and Zhou Guanyu has signed a one-year extension. Zhou will have the opportunity to race in his home country of China when F1 returns to Shanghai after a five-year absence.
Both drivers have praised the bold new look and identity of the C44.
“I believe the new appearance represents the team’s vision for the future; it’s fresh, it’s thrilling,” said Bottas.
“There have been changes in the team’s approach, and even the visuals have a very different look. I’ve followed suit – even my hair is a different color!
“I think the team’s approach reflects the mindset we will adopt for the future. Sometimes, change can be a positive force.”
Zhou added, “You can’t overlook the vibrant color!
“It’s a highly exciting new approach, especially in Formula One. And from my perspective, of course, we hope it’s going to be a fast one.”
The reigning Formula 2 champion, Theo Pourchaire, who will compete in Super Formula in 2024, will share reserve driver duties with former Red Bull Junior, Zane Maloney.
