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 program that Stake will unveil for our fans.”
Kubica appeared as a substitute for the team twicePolish oil and gas company Orlen has been a partner of Alfa Romeo since 2020, bringing Orlen-supported driver Kubica to the team. Orlen will join AlphaTauri on a “multi-year” partnership as the team’s “principal partner”, with the company’s logo featured prominently on the team’s new AT04.
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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