2024 Dutch Grand Prix: New name for a popular F1 team as Formula 1 returns after summer break
The Dutch Grand Prix will get underway this Sunday at 2pm
After a three week break Formula One is back!
Resuming this weekend with the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, teams will be hoping that the upgrades made to their cars during the summer break will make a difference.
One team however has not just only undergone mechanical changes ahead of the race but will have to change their car livery as Dutch officials have banned the Stake F1 team from using its branding at this weekend’s race.
Gambling firm Stake bought the naming rights to the Switzerland-based Sauber Team ahead of this season, after their partnership deal with Alfa Romeo came to an end.
However they will not be permitted to use their logos on the Zandvoort track and here is why.
Although betting advertisement is not illegal or banned in the Netherlands, the use of Stake’s own website is.
This is because the company does not have an official license to do business and operate in the country.
Despite the company’s ban some natives have managed to still gain access to the site, so the Kansspelautoriteit Dutch Authority [KSA] has ordered that the team and Formula One as whole don’t use the branding around the track for this weekend.
In a statement released on the government agency’s website they said that:
‘The Sauber Formula 1 team competes in most international races as ‘Stake F1 Team’. Stake is an international gambling provider and main sponsor of the team.
‘Stake does not have a license from the Ksa and is therefore not allowed to offer gambling in the Netherlands.
According to the gambling legislation, it is prohibited to offer games of chance without a license, to advertise these illegal games of chance or to promote participation in them.
‘Online gambling providers without a license must therefore take measures to prevent participation from the Netherlands, for example by applying geoblocks. Dutch players will then not be able to reach the website.
‘Stake has applied such a geoblock. Despite the measures taken by Stake, the Ksa still sees participation by Dutch players. The Ksa therefore finds it undesirable that illegal gambling is advertised at a Dutch event with the reach and size of Formula 1.
‘Also because the event attracts a lot of attention among vulnerable groups [minors and young adults]. The board of the Ksa has therefore urgently requested both Sauber and the organization of the Dutch Grand Prix not to drive under the name Stake and not to advertise for this provider.’
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