The Sauber Formula 1 team is facing legal action due to the new name of the racing team, reports SRF. This year it became clear that the Swiss racing team will be known as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber for the next two years, but Stake does not have a license in Switzerland. As a result, the Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (the Gambling Commission of Switzerland) has started a case against the team.
After the departure of Alfa Romeo, the Swiss racing team had to reveal a new identity. The team still has two seasons to complete before Audi officially enters Formula 1 and will be the namesake of the racing team. In January, Sauber revealed the name Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, but there are some snags to this name. Stake is an online casino and a website where people can bet on sports matches.
In some countries, the rules regarding online gambling are very strict, which means that the team is not allowed to bear the name Stake. ‘As in previous years, we will comply with all laws. And if Stake is banned, we will have an alternative team name,” team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi told SRF. Normally the Formula 1 team will be known as Stake F1 Team. If the title sponsor is banned in a certain country, the racing team will be called Kick Sauber.
Sauber risks fine
However, the new main sponsor is causing problems in Switzerland, because the gambling provider Stake is not licensed and is therefore illegal. This is accompanied by an advertising ban. Nevertheless, the Stake logo is everywhere; on Sauber’s website, on social media channels and on employee clothing. According to a legal expert, it is clear that the Swiss racing team has crossed a certain line.
As a result, the Gambling Commission of Switzerland is also taking legal action. Sauber mainly risks a fine. According to SRF, this could amount to 500,000 Swiss Francs (around 534,000 euros). The Formula 1 team reacts calmly to the legal steps. ‘We always take into account all laws, including in Switzerland. And of course we have taken all measures to comply with that,” said Alunni Bravi.
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