F1 team forced to change name for Dutch GP

Stake F1 has been forced to change its team name for next weekend's Dutch Grand Prix due to advertising laws in the Netherlands.

But what’s the issue with the team’s name? The answer lies with its title sponsor, Stake—an online gambling company that runs afoul of strict advertising regulations in the Netherlands.

The team, officially known as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber but more commonly referred to as Stake F1, has been left with no choice but to rebrand for the Zandvoort race weekend.

Earlier this year, the Netherlands introduced tougher rules governing the advertisement of online gambling firms, specifically banning their promotion through sponsorships.

The country’s Gambling Authority states that such advertising is no longer permitted on athletes' clothing or during sporting events—a regulation that directly impacts the Dutch GP.

As a result, Stake F1 is effectively required to modify its name, with sponsor Kick set to feature more prominently on the car at the next round of the 2025 F1 season.

A familiar regulatory challenge for Sauber

This is not the first time the team has faced this issue. Before last year's edition of the race, the Netherlands Gambling Authority had already urged the team not to compete under the Stake name, though the Hinwil-based outfit proceeded to do so at the time.

A precedent for the alteration has already been set this season, with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto having raced under the modified name in Belgium.

The timing of this regulatory hurdle comes as the team is enjoying a strong run of form following the recent rounds prior to the summer break.

Stake F1 currently sits seventh in the constructors' championship, just a single point behind Aston Martin.

Both drivers have thrived in recent events — Hulkenberg secured his first F1 podium at Silverstone, while Bortoleto finished sixth in Hungary.