Alfa Romeo F1 may have put itself in hot water with Swiss authorities by breaching the country's strict advertising laws during Tuesday's presentation of its 2023 car.
The Hinwil squad rolled out its new C43 contender adorned with a new striking red and black livery on which appeared Alfa's new title sponsor, online casino and sports betting company Stake.
Alfa characterized its association with the Curaçao-based company as a "record-breaking new title partnership with one of the world’s leading entertainment and lifestyle brands".
However, global advertising restrictions on online casinos and gambling and betting sites mean that the Stake logo will only be seen at a limited number of races this season.
But the company's presence on Alfa's charger during Tuesday's public presentation from the Zurich studios of Swiss broadcaster may have transgressed Switzerland's own advertising laws according to Blick.
Ruedi Schneider, deputy head of the secretariat of the country's Federal Gaming Board (ESBK) says Alfa's event and potential oversight may lead to criminal charges against the team.
"If the ESBK becomes aware of the case and initiates an investigation, it could have criminal consequences," Schneider told Blick.
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However, Alfa Romeo F1 believes that Stake's exclusion from the Swiss Federation will keep the team out of harm's way.
"Stake confirmed to us that the company is not targeting the Swiss market with its games of chance," the team told Blick.
"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."
On another matter, Sky F1's Martin Brundle foresees another for Alfa Romeo and its new car this season.
The Briton loves the C43's new livery but fears that its color contrast will make the car very hard to see on TV.
"Love the back of the rear wing," Brundle commented on Twitter.
"This new low weight carbon finish is becoming very prevalent in F1, weight limit drops by 2kgs this year and most teams were struggling before.
"But this car will be hard to see on TV or trackside on an overcast day."
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