Sauber Racing Faces Urgent Name Change for Dutch GP Amid Legal Gambling Crackdown!
In a dramatic turn of events, Sauber has been compelled to adopt a new name for its entry into the upcoming Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, a decision driven by stringent gambling advertisement regulations in the Netherlands. The Swiss racing team will now compete as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, reflecting the influence of its title sponsor, a Curacao-based online casino that has been a key backer since the team’s split from Alfa Romeo last year in anticipation of its transition to Audi next season.
This unexpected rebranding comes as the Dutch authorities tighten their grip on gambling promotions, which include restrictions on sponsorships at sporting events and visibility on team apparel. As a result, Sauber found itself in a precarious position, forced to modify its identity to comply with the new legal landscape.
Last year, during the Dutch GP, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), Holland’s gambling regulator, explicitly prohibited Sauber from showcasing the online casino’s logo on its cars. Ignoring this warning, the team proceeded to flaunt the branding, only to face consequences. This year, however, Sauber is playing it safe; Zandvoort marks the second occasion in the 2025 season the team has had to make such adjustments.
A similar situation unfolded in Belgium, where the team was mandated to strip the casino branding from the cars of drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Currently, Sauber finds itself in seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship, having earned a commendable 51 points, with most of those accrued during the European leg of the season. The dynamic duo of Hulkenberg and Bortoleto has been instrumental in securing top-10 finishes in the last six races, including Hulkenberg’s first-ever podium at Silverstone. Meanwhile, Bortoleto showcased his burgeoning talent by achieving a career-best sixth-place finish in Hungary.
As the team gears up for the race in Holland, just one point behind Aston Martin, Sauber is eager to maintain its upward momentum. With the Audi identity change looming just months away, the stakes are high as they aim for a strong midfield finish.
As the countdown to the Dutch GP ticks away, fans and critics alike are left wondering: Can Sauber navigate the turbulent waters of regulatory challenges while securing its place in F1 history? Only time will tell as the racing world watches closely!
