After a three week break Formula One is back!
Resuming this weekend with the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, teams will be hoping that the upgrades made to their cars during the summer break will make a difference.
One team however has not just only undergone mechanical changes ahead of the race but will have to change their car livery as Dutch officials have banned the Stake F1 team from using its branding at this weekend’s race.
Gambling firm Stake bought the naming rights to the Switzerland-based Sauber Team ahead of this season, after their partnership deal with Alfa Romeo came to an end.
However they will not be permitted to use their logos on the Zandvoort track and here is why.
Kick Sauber will not be allowed to advertise their logo this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix
The Switzerland based F1 team will operate under a new name this weekend at Zandvoort
Although betting advertisement is not illegal or banned in the Netherlands, the use of Stake’s own website is.
This is because the company does not have an official license to do business and operate in the country.
Despite the company’s ban some natives have managed to still gain access to the site, so the Kansspelautoriteit Dutch Authority [KSA] has ordered that the team and Formula One as whole don’t use the branding around the track for this weekend.
In a statement released on the government agency’s website they said that:
‘The Sauber Formula 1 team competes in most international races as ‘Stake F1 Team’. Stake is an international gambling provider and main sponsor of the team.
‘Stake does not have a license from the Ksa and is therefore not allowed to offer gambling in the Netherlands.
The reason for Kick Sauber not being allowed to advertise their logo this weekend is because they don’t have a gambling license in the country
‘According to the gambling legislation, it is prohibited to offer games of chance without a license, to advertise these illegal games of chance or to promote participation in them.
‘Online gambling providers without a license must therefore take measures to prevent participation from the Netherlands, for example by applying geoblocks. Dutch players will then not be able to reach the website.
‘Stake has applied such a geoblock. Despite the measures taken by Stake, the Ksa still sees participation by Dutch players. The Ksa therefore finds it undesirable that illegal gambling is advertised at a Dutch event with the reach and size of Formula 1.
‘Also because the event attracts a lot of attention among vulnerable groups [minors and young adults]. The board of the Ksa has therefore urgently requested both Sauber and the organization of the Dutch Grand Prix not to drive under the name Stake and not to advertise for this provider.’
The Dutch Grand Prix will get underway this Sunday at 2pm
What name will Stake F1 team use instead for the Dutch Grand Prix?
Since Stake won’t be able to use their name for this upcoming Grand Prix, they will operate under their alternative name Kick Sauber for the Dutch race.
This weekend won’t be the only time this year we will witness Stake changing to Kick Sauber as Qatar also have a ban on gambling advertisements.
The gambling company only has a two year contract with the F1 team because it is acting as an interim name until Kick Sauber officially transforms to Audi in 2026.
When the German carmaker is set to enter into F1 for the first time.