Alfa Romeo has announced a crypto betting firm as its new co-title sponsor in place of Orlen, which has transferred its backing to rivals AlphaTauri.
The announcement of Alfa Romeo’s new title sponsor sees their partnership with Orlen come to an end after three years. It also appears to spell an end to Robert Kubica’s tenure as reserve driver.The Sauber-run team’s new title sponsor is Stake, an online casino and betting company which has heavy cryptocurrency integration. Stake has invested in sports sponsorships across the sporting world, including English Premier League club Everton, the UFC, boxing and the hip-hop artist Drake.
However Stake has attracted controversy over its marketing practices. Popular streaming site Twitch banned it and other gambling sites last October.
New Alfa Romeo team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi hailed the announcement of the new title sponsorship as the “start of a new era” for the team.
“Formula 1 has seen a huge increase in interest over the last few years and the arrival of brands such as Stake are representative of the massive exposure our sport can offer,” Alunni Bravi said. “We are excited to join such a portfolio of sports and entertainment brands and we’re looking forward to the activation programme that Stake will unveil for our fans.”
AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost welcomed Orlen joining the team ahead of their official launch of the AT04 in New York City next month.
“I’m pleased to be starting the 2023 season with such positive news for the team,” said Tost.
“Orlen are one of the leading oil and gas companies in Central Europe and this partnership will allow them to further increase their brand awareness, through the global platforms we offer as a team. I’m looking forward to seeing their logo featured on our new car at the launch in New York City next month and also how this partnership progresses over the coming years.”
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Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
27th January 2023, 10:01
I’m sure Audi love the connection.
juan fanger (@juan-fanger)
27th January 2023, 10:16
Crypto? Make sure the sponsorship is paid in advance.
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
27th January 2023, 10:25
@juan-fanger
No problem. They can still pay it using investors’ money.
BasCB (@bascb)
27th January 2023, 15:47
That would be a positive sign @tifoso1989, it would mean they haven’t yet siphoned off most of that!
Tifoso1989 (@tifoso1989)
27th January 2023, 16:19
@bascb
Haha :) I see what you did there…
Moshambles (@moshambles)
27th January 2023, 10:25
Bring back tobaco
Moshambles (@moshambles)
27th January 2023, 10:27
*tobacco, or ever tomacco
Moshambles (@moshambles)
27th January 2023, 10:29
I’m gonna go lie down
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
27th January 2023, 10:53
@moshambles
and its slogan:
“Tastes like grandma!”
Bullfrog (@bullfrog)
27th January 2023, 11:43
The picture of Kubica and Mazepin makes me nostalgic for adorable sponsors like Uralkali.
Steve (@duuxdeluxe)
27th January 2023, 11:43
But smoking and alcohol are still too terrible.
Last time I checked, gambling was a sin….
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
27th January 2023, 14:16
Last time I checked, “sin” was a religious category.
mrfill (@mrfill)
27th January 2023, 11:57
An Australian company, based in Curacao, whose main business is effectively banned in the US and UK.
What could possibly go wrong?
SteveR
27th January 2023, 14:35
Stake can’t do business in Australia either. Take a read of the link below from F1sauber.
mrfill (@mrfill)
27th January 2023, 14:56
Thanks. I just scratched the surface doing a few minutes research and alarm bells started ringing (playing the FTX anthem).
These sort of companies exist only to monetise an addiction/habit, in the same way as cigarette companies, drinks companies and cocaine dealers do. It is only a matter of time before their promotion gets restricted like the other examples given.
For odds on when this will happen, please consult your local online gambling dealer.
Crawliin-from-the-wreckage (@davedai)
28th January 2023, 1:18
Thanks @mrfill I gave them my credit card number but when I went to place a bet the site was down
I may have given them the wrong number because I checked with what I was sure was my number, my balance was zero! .not tens of thousands available .
F1sauber (@f1sauber)
27th January 2023, 14:02
Certainly not what you would expect from a Swiss sport team. Interesting the background on Stake, see the info from the Australian newspaper, no much to be proud of as a Sauber fan!!!
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/the-secret-australian-origins-of-the-world-s-biggest-crypto-casino-20211208-p59ftb.html
SteveR
27th January 2023, 14:33
Thanks for the article, really worth a read. I can’t believe this sort of sponsor upholds the ‘ethics’ of the FIA. A team must be pretty desperate for sponsors to add this one. At least Stake have money, unlike Rich Energy….
Simon
27th January 2023, 22:35
For now…
Sam
27th January 2023, 16:17
Crypto and gambling combined, for those who like to double the risk.
matt88
27th January 2023, 19:30
At least in the golden age of tobacco advertising, Philip Morris and the others sponsored young drivers in the racing ladder. Crypto? Ponzi schemes ready to fail very soon.
superman
27th January 2023, 21:27
Nice association, crypto is the future, don’t miss the rocket!