Following its acquisition of the naming rights to Sauber’s F1 car, the cryptocurrency betting and casino platform Stake will exhibit a conspicuous presence in Formula 1 for the next two years.
The organization succeeds Alfa Romeo, whose sponsorship of Sauber’s C44 expired in 2023. The Sauber will undergo a brand name change to Audi’s factory team in 2026, creating a two-year void during which alternative sponsors may consider providing support.
Sauber’s vehicle debuted for Stake and its live-streaming platform Kick.com in 2023 via preliminary sponsorship agreements. Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber will be the team’s official name, debuting its 2024 season in London in February 2024.
Predicted to appear at select F1 races throughout the 2024 season, Canadian rapper Drake participated in the rebranding announcement on New Year’s Day.
Furthermore, according to Motorsport.com, Kick.com will own the naming rights to the Kick Sauber C44 chassis of Sauber’s vehicle. Additionally, Formula One teams are required to construct and maintain their vehicles; therefore, Stake has become an F1 vehicle manufacturer.
Zhou Guanyu, a former F2 champion, and Valtteri Bottas, a former Mercedes driver, will continue serving as team drivers.
Formula 1 has garnered the interest of several cryptocurrency exchanges and businesses in recent years, with numerous organizations seeking sponsorship and advertisement opportunities with the sport’s global fan base.
OKX commenced its association with McLaren in May 2022 as the principal partner of the Formula One team. By 2023, the MCL60 racing car conspicuously showcased OKX’s branding.
Since 2021, Crypto.com has been a prominent Formula1 sponsor, with its logo appearing at Grand Prix circuits worldwide throughout the most recent race seasons. The exchange operator and cryptocurrency wallet provider also sponsors the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One team.
