Sauber’s Components 1 outfit, extra generally acknowledged as Stake F1, is not going to be allowed to make use of its common group identify through the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort (29–31 August 2025). The change comes after the Dutch playing regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), reaffirmed its strict prohibition on gambling-related promoting at sporting occasions held within the Netherlands.
The group’s full registered identify is Stake F1 Staff Kick Sauber, reflecting the backing of on-line playing operator Stake. Nonetheless, below Dutch regulation, playing suppliers with out a native license are banned from displaying sponsorships or promotional content material. Even licensed operators face limitations in the case of on-line playing promoting. That leaves Sauber with no alternative however to strip Stake branding for the weekend, with Kick anticipated to take the lead function within the group’s identification through the Zandvoort race.
In keeping with the KSA announcement, “It’s expressly prohibited to show promoting or different seen supplies from playing suppliers with out a Dutch licence. Such supplies from unlicensed suppliers are thought-about to advertise unlawful playing. This violates relevant laws.”
A Recurring Situation for Sauber and Its Sponsors
This isn’t the primary time the Hinwil-based group has needed to adapt its branding. In 2024, Dutch regulators additionally urged Sauber to not compete below the Stake identify. Regardless of the warning, the group selected to retain it on the time. Extra just lately, on the Belgian Grand Prix, drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto already raced below a modified identify attributable to related authorized restrictions.
The KSA has made clear that its guidelines apply not solely to Dutch organizations but in addition to overseas groups competing within the Netherlands. The authority has contacted sports activities associations and occasion organizers, together with the Dutch GP, to make sure full compliance. Following these discussions, organizers confirmed that no group competing at Zandvoort will carry seen playing sponsorship.
The regulator has additionally urged vigilance, stating that each one events ought to attain out for clarification when unsure concerning the admissibility of sponsor-related materials.
Impression on Stake F1’s Momentum
The enforced rebranding comes at a time when Sauber’s squad is exhibiting indicators of progress. The group at present sits seventh within the Constructors’ Championship, trailing Aston Martin by only one level. Hulkenberg delivered his first-ever Components 1 podium at Silverstone, whereas teammate Bortoleto impressed with a sixth-place end in Hungary.
The sponsorship setback is not going to alter on-track competitiveness, however it underscores the broader rigidity between international F1 industrial offers and ranging nationwide legal guidelines. Sauber beforehand partnered with Alfa Romeo earlier than taking up Stake as its headline sponsor in 2024, and has already confronted restrictions in different jurisdictions equivalent to america and China.
Dutch GP and Wider Sponsorship Panorama
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, which marks the penultimate operating of the occasion earlier than its anticipated departure from the F1 calendar in 2026, will unfold below heavy regulatory scrutiny, in accordance with racingnews365.com. Since returning in 2021, Zandvoort has turn into a spotlight of the F1 season, particularly for dwelling followers of Max Verstappen.
But the highlight this 12 months is as a lot on sponsorship guidelines as it’s on racing. A number of different F1 outfits keep industrial ties with playing corporations—Purple Bull with PokerStars, McLaren with Allwyn, and Williams with Tremendous Group’s Betway and Jackpot Metropolis manufacturers. Underneath Dutch regulation, none of these gambling-related logos can seem on automobiles, fits, or helmets through the Zandvoort weekend.
The KSA has persistently emphasised its function in sustaining strict boundaries. Final week, it warned that any violation could be thought-about the promotion of unlawful playing exercise. Occasion organizers and the Components 1 administration have pledged to abide by these laws.
