F1 team forced to change name before Australian Grand Prix after ban imposed

A FORMULA ONE team will be forced to change its name this weekend due to strict advertising laws in Australia.

The Stake F1 team will be renamed Kick Sauber during the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Stake F1 team will be renamed this weekend due to advertising restrictionsCredit: The Mega Agency

Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will race for Kick SauberCredit: Getty

The former Alfa Romeo team was renamed Stake earlier this year after a two-year sponsorship deal was struck with the online gambling company.

However, strict rules in Australia ban gambling advertising during live sports on both broadcast and online platforms between 5am and 8:30pm.

This means that the team’s other main sponsor, Kick, will take over the naming rights for the weekend.

The team will become Kick Sauber this weekend and later this year in Spain, Belgium and Qatar.

After the first two races of the year, Kick Sauber is one of four teams that have not yet scored any points.

Pit stop problems have prevented Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas from breaking into the top 10 so far this season.

Both drivers have expressed concerns about the problem ahead of this weekend’s race.

Bottas said: “We haven’t solved the problem 100 percent yet because there is a lead time for certain components and materials that we need, but I think we should be in a better place and I will be more confident this year if I the pit entrance.” weekend.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

“Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly and hopefully we can run clean races and fight for points.”

Zhou added: “I think it was clear that we had to redesign the entire equipment system for the pit stop crew.

Top 10 ultimate sports jackpots revealed, including World Cup and F1 World Championship

“Of course we can’t really redesign at this point unfortunately, but we are already making a few adjustments to the wheel nut and wheel guns and getting the issue resolved. Fingers crossed we can get it all going.

“I think as a team we seem to have some good racing talent, we just need to clean up a bit this weekend.

“Obviously the pit stop is the key. I love the track, I love the place, the fans and the atmosphere is always one of the best of the year, so really happy and enjoyable to come to Melbourne.”