Sauber has launched its newest era branded as ‘Stake F1 Team’ with an overhauled design scheme on its 2024 Formula 1 challenger, the C44.
Breaking with the tradition of previous years, Sauber commenced the latest chapter in its history with a launch event in the United Kingdom rather than its native Switzerland.
The squad had run under the guise of Alfa Romeo since 2019 but the title partnership ceased at the end of last season as Sauber prepares to evolve into an Audi entry in 2026.
The FIA’s entry list in December confirmed that the side had been entered as ‘Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber’, with Kick also acquiring exclusive naming rights to Sauber’s chassis.
That arrangement with the streaming platform will cover the next two seasons before the German marque arrives in time for the sport’s latest reset to the regulations.
Sauber celebrated its partnership with Kick, a subsidiary of parent company Stake, at last year’s Belgian Grand Prix with a tweaked livery that adopted neon green details.
The Hinwil-based squad’s car for this season will feature a carbon base with that same green colour incorporated throughout as a reflection of Kick’s continued involvement.
“There’s a new identity for our team, as we enter as Stake F1 Team,” said Team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi. “We saw a lot of changes, which makes this an exciting era for us.
“This year, we will see our team change in many areas, thanks to this important partnership with Stake, which is one of the leading entertainment and lifestyle brands in the world.”
To conform with restrictions on promoting gambling in countries such as Australia, Belgium, Spain and Qatar, Stake’s branding was absent from the C43 at times last year.
The team confirmed last month that it would “alternate between Stake F1 Team and Kick F1 Team branding according to marketing decisions and other elements” again in 2024.
Meanwhile, on the track, Sauber is bidding to recover from a tough campaign last term that saw it slip from sixth down to ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Sauber’s plight in the second season with the latest ground effect cars prompted Jan Monchaux to depart as Technical Director, with James Key named as his replacement.
Key, who exited McLaren midway through last year, has overseen a “completely brand-new” car as Sauber hopes to have addressed the limitations embedded in its predecessor.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who has been a member of the Sauber board since 2017, will resume as Team Representative, with Andreas Seidl continuing as the group’s CEO.
Valtteri Bottas retained a contract for this season, while Zhou Guanyu penned a one-year renewal and will get the chance to race at home for the first time when F1 returns to Shanghai, China after a five-year absence.
Both of the drivers were complimentary of the C44’s bold new look and identity.
“I think the new look reflects the team’s approach for the future; it’s new, it’s exciting,” said Bottas.
“There have been changes in the team’s approach and even the visuals look very different. I followed suit – even my hair looks a different colour!
“I think the team’s approach is a good reflection on the mindset we are going to have for the future. Change can sometimes be a force for good.”
Zhou added: “You can’t miss the colour!
“It’s a very exciting new approach, especially in Formula One. And then from my side, of course, we’re hoping it’s going to be a fast one.”
Reigning Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire, who will compete in Super Formula in 2024, will share reserve driver duties with ex-Red Bull Junior Zane Maloney.
