BARRETTO: Can behind-the-scenes changes help Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber push on this year as they prepare for Audi’s arrival?

The conclusion of Alfa Romeo’s title sponsorship of the Sauber F1 Team at the end of last season after a six-year relationship was the first big step in the Swiss outfit's reorganisation ahead of them becoming Audi’s works team in 2026.

In the interim, they will be known as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. Audi is expected to ramp up its investment while the team utilises the significant funding (believed to be in the hundreds of millions over the course of the partnership) that comes from betting, lifestyle and entertainment backer Stake to improve every inch of their facility and close the infrastructure gap to the sport’s biggest teams.