F1 Rumour: Alfa Romeo Could Have Breached Swiss Law With C43 Launch
The Alfa Romeo F1 team has reportedly run afoul of Swiss advertising laws with the launch of its 2023 race car on Tuesday. The Hinwil team unveiled its new C43 model, complete with a bold red and black livery and the logo of its new title sponsor, Stake, an online casino and sports betting company.
The Swiss team described the association with the Curaçao-based company as a "historical new title partnership with a world-renowned entertainment and lifestyle brand". However, international restrictions on advertising for online gambling and betting sites limit the visibility of the Stake logo to only a few races this season.
As a result of the potential advertising law violation, Ruedi Schneider, the deputy head of the secretariat of Switzerland's Federal Gaming Board (ESBK), has warned that Alfa Romeo's event and any oversight could result in criminal charges against the team. The team's association with Stake has garnered attention due to global restrictions on advertising for such businesses.
Schneider told Blick:
"If the ESBK becomes aware of the case and initiates an investigation, it could have criminal consequences."
Alfa Romeo F1 have spoken out on the situation. They told Blick:
"Stake confirmed to us that the company is not targeting the Swiss market with its games of chance.
"The domain is blocked in Switzerland and further measures are being taken to prevent Swiss users from accessing Stake services.
"As a team, we always comply with all applicable local laws and FIA regulations."
According to The Law Reviews:
"Advertising for unlicensed foreign and domestic gambling and gaming offers constitutes a misdemeanour and is punishable and subject to a maximum fine of 500,000 Swiss francs."
There has been no confirmation of any breaches at the moment.