Stake F1 Team
Stake F1 Team (Kick Sauber)
The Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber is a Swiss Formula 1 team based in Hinwil, Zurich. Founded by Peter Sauber, the team has a long history in F1, starting in 1993. In 2025, the team continues with a completely new driver lineup, featuring Nico Hülkenberg and Brazilian debutant Gabriel Bortoleto.
From Sauber to BMW Sauber
Sauber was founded in 1970 by Peter Sauber as a successful sports car racing team before moving into Formula 1 in 1993. Initially, they partnered with Mercedes, later switching to Ferrari engines. Sauber's breakthrough came in 2001 when they welcomed Kimi Räikkönen, who impressed with his raw talent despite his youth.
In 2006, BMW took over Sauber, rebranding it as BMW Sauber F1 Team. The team achieved great success, finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship in 2007. Robert Kubica won the team’s first Grand Prix in Canada in 2008, and they ended the 2008 season third in the standings. However, after a disappointing 2009, BMW ended its partnership, and Sauber returned to operating independently.
From Sauber to Alfa Romeo
In 2009, after BMW's departure, Sauber returned to the F1 grid as an independent team. In 2018, they formed a partnership with Alfa Romeo, and the team became known as the Alfa Romeo F1 Team. The team had notable drivers like Charles Leclerc, Kimi Räikkönen, and Valtteri Bottas but struggled to achieve significant success despite using Ferrari power units.
Financial challenges, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a tough couple of years in 2020 and 2021. However, the team made a strong start in 2022, eventually finishing sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, their best result since 2012. After the 2023 season, Alfa Romeo decided not to renew its contract, ending the partnership.
Stake F1 Team – From Sauber to Audi
In preparation for becoming Audi's factory team in 2026, Sauber underwent a name change in 2024 to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. The team was gearing up for Audi's takeover while continuing to operate under its current configuration. However, the 2024 season was challenging, with the team scoring only four points and finishing last in the Constructors' Championship.
Kick Sauber 2025
For the 2025 season, the Kick Sauber team is completely overhauling its driver lineup. The experienced Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu have been replaced by Nico Hülkenberg, a veteran German driver, and Gabriel Bortoleto, a Brazilian rookie. This new driver pairing is part of the team's strategy to prepare for Audi’s full takeover in 2026.
Along with the driver changes, Kick Sauber also introduced leadership shifts within the team. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, former sporting director at Red Bull Racing, were brought in to lead the team as they look ahead to their new chapter under Audi’s factory support.
Which Engine Does Stake F1 Team Use?
In 2025, Stake F1 Team will continue using Ferrari engines, as it is a customer team of Scuderia Ferrari. However, this will be the last year with Ferrari power units, as from 2026, the team will transition to Audi engines as part of their full integration into the Audi factory team.
Stake F1 Team Livery 2025
The Stake F1 Team revealed the livery for their 2025 car, the C45, during a special event held on February 18, 2025, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. The unveiling took place at the O2 Arena in London, with all 10 F1 teams presenting their liveries in front of thousands of fans.
Stake F1 Team Lego Collaboration
In 2024, during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a special exhibit was held by the Danish toy company Lego. As part of their new partnership with Formula 1, Lego released building kits for all the teams, including the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, in a scale of approximately 1:24. This collaboration was aimed at bringing F1 fans closer to the sport and offering a fun way to engage with their favorite teams.
Stake F1 Team News
Stay updated with the latest news about the Stake F1 Team, drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, and the team’s performance on and off the track. From official announcements, race updates, and off-season preparations, you can follow all the action on GPblog.com.
