Fans have mocked a Formula 1 team’s new name as rapper Drake starred in the new launch.

The 2023 F1 season came to a close in November with Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen easing to his third consecutive world title.

F1 will return in March with the Bahrain Grand Prix, before that, all the attention will be on each team’s new livery design for their cars.

Ahead of the new season, the Sauber team have launched their new identity.

With the help of popular music artist Drake, the Sauber team launched their new era as the Stake F1 Team.

After five seasons racing under the Alfa Romeo name, the Sauber team agreed a two-year title partnership deal with betting, entertainment and lifestyle brand Stake. The team’s full name is set to be Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.

However, fans were quick to react to the new name.

On social media, one fan said: “Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber might be the worst name for a team in F1 history.”

Another tweeted: “Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber may be the worst team name of all time.”

A third fan added: “‘Stake F1 Team’ they cooked… a whole lot of nothing.”

Drake was involved in the launch as the Canadian rapper is one of Stake’s celebrity, sports and lifestyle partners. The 37-year-old is expected to be spotted at multiple Grands Prix throughout the season.

Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi said: “Last season represented the start of Stake’s journey in Formula 1, and the brand’s new role headlining Stake F1 Team represents the natural and exciting next step on this path.

“Stake not only successfully tapped into Formula 1’s growing fan base to enhance its own community; but also introduced a completely new audience to the sport, something that benefitted not only our team but also everyone else in F1.”

He added: “We had the opportunity to participate in some incredible activations with some of Stake’s ambassadors, including Argentine football legend Sergio Aguero and Indian-Canadian rapper Karan Aujla. 2024 will be a new page and the chance to do more, better, and reach even farther: we are looking forward to an even more exciting calendar of events in this new season.”