Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber have been forced to temporarily change their name ahead of next weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix due to advertising laws in the Netherlands. The Swiss team, more commonly known as Stake F1, owned by Peter Sauber switched their name in 2023 as part of a partnership with the cryptocurrency-based online casino.
Millionaires Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani founded Stake in 2017 before launching the streaming service Kick five years later. Both brands are incorporated with Sauber Motorsport, with drivers, the crew and the cars donning Kick’s bright green colour scheme. However, they will have a new look at the Circuit Zandvoort.
Stake F1 must change their name to comply with the Netherlands’ advertising laws, which were only introduced earlier this year.
The regulations ban the use of sponsorships to promote gambling firms, meaning Stake cannot be displayed on driver suits, crew uniform or cars.
A similar situation occurred at last month’s Belgian Grand Prix, where the Swiss team were prevented from promoting Stake.
Craven and Tehrani have built an empire through Stake and Kick, making the former one of the world’s most prominent online casinos and betting platforms.
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Blockbuster names, including rapper Drake, have endorsed the company, which also sponsors Premier League football club Everton, Argentine footballing icon Sergio Aguero, and the UFC.
Meanwhile, Kick has emerged as Twitch’s leading rival streaming platform, where streamers broadcast live video as audiences interact and donate money in real time.
This year’s Dutch Grand Prix will be the penultimate edition on the F1 race calendar after an announcement last December that 2026 would be its final year.
The Zandvoort track returned to the calendar in 2021 after 36 years away, with Max Verstappen winning the first three before Lando Norris reigned supreme last season.
It is believed that the decision is down to financial struggles to host the race, despite consistent sell-out crowds supporting home hero Verstappen.
Dutch Grand Prix director Robert van Overdijk said: “We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event against other risks and responsibilities.
“We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026.
“We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community.”