The problem with Sauber’s name comes from its main sponsor, Stake, which is an online gambling company. In the Netherlands, new laws now ban gambling companies from advertising through sport. This means their logos or names cannot appear on racing cars, drivers’ clothing, or be promoted during sporting events.

Because of this, when Formula 1 goes to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, Sauber is not allowed to race under the name Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. Instead, the team will highlight its other sponsor, Kick, and exclude Stake from the name.

This isn’t the first time the team has had problems with Stake’s branding. At the Dutch Grand Prix last year, the Netherlands’ Gambling Authority told Sauber not to use the Stake name, but the team ignored the warning and still showed the logo on its cars.

This year, however, Sauber has chosen to follow the rules more carefully. In fact, Zandvoort will already be the second time in 2025 that the team has had to change its name, as the same thing happened earlier this season in Belgium, where gambling adverts are also banned.

The issue comes from the fact that Sauber signed Stake as its lead sponsor after ending its partnership with Alfa Romeo in 2023. The money from Stake is very important for the team, especially as it prepares to become the Audi works team in 2026. But the problem is that gambling companies face increasing restrictions across Europe, which means Sauber cannot always use the same name or branding at every race.