Sauber has revealed its last Formula 1 livery before the team transitions to become the Audi works team in 2026. The unveiling took place at the F1 75 season launch event in London’s O2 Arena, where Sauber joined the other nine Formula 1 teams in showcasing their designs for the upcoming season.
The livery marks an evolution of the carbon and fluorescent green color scheme that debuted in 2024—the first year of Sauber’s partnership with Stake. For 2025, the fluorescent green stands out on the monocoque and nosecone, while black accents are visible on the sidepods, continuing the team’s strong visual identity ahead of its transition to Audi’s full works entry.
A Season of Change for Sauber
The design launch also symbolized a new chapter for the team, as Sauber looks to move forward after a difficult 2024 season. Despite a major partnership boost, Sauber struggled to score points consistently, with only a single point earned in the penultimate round of the Qatar Grand Prix, leaving them firmly planted at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship.
However, with new driver pairings and a redesigned car, Sauber is hopeful for a significant improvement in 2025. Nico Hulkenberg, who returns to Sauber after a decade-long absence, joins the team from Haas after two seasons with the American outfit. He expressed enthusiasm about the changes at the team, saying, “A new team brings many changes, and countless small details need to be fine-tuned… There’s a great spirit in the team right now, and of course, we’re all focused on improving from last year.”
The New Blood: Bortoleto’s Fresh Start
Hulkenberg will be joined by Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 2 Champion, who is one of six rookies joining the 2025 F1 grid. Bortoleto shared his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “We have put in a lot of hard work over the winter… I believe the C45 has the potential to make a definite step forward.”
With Bortoleto’s fresh perspective and Hulkenberg’s veteran experience, Sauber aims to make significant strides this season. The team has already started work on developing the C45, and both drivers are committed to pushing the car’s performance from the outset.
Sauber’s Growing Partnerships: CoinPayments Joins the Team
In addition to their focus on car development, Sauber also unveiled a new partnership with CoinPayments, a cryptocurrency solutions organization. The company’s logo will feature prominently on the rear wing of Sauber’s car during the 2025 season, signaling the team’s continuing push into innovative sponsorships.
Alexander Alexandrov, Founder and Chairman of CoinPayments, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber for the 2025 season… we will be right there in the fast lane, pushing the boundaries of global digital payments—just like F1 pushes the limits of speed and innovation.”
Adapting to Global Regulations
As a result of gambling restrictions in certain regions, Sauber will alternate its livery between the Stake and Kick brands. This will see the team running the Kick-branded livery in regions such as Australia, Belgium, Spain, and Qatar to adhere to regional regulations while maintaining their partnership with Stake.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Sauber
As Sauber prepares for its last season before becoming Audi’s works team, the team is setting ambitious goals for the 2025 Formula 1 season. With a fresh car, new drivers, and strategic partnerships, Sauber is hoping to make a significant leap forward in the highly competitive F1 grid.
