With a sizzle and a sear, Stake F1’s wagyu-inspired April 1st livery flipped fans’ expectations and fed the meme machine.
Rare or Well Done?
On April 1st, Stake F1 revealed a bold new livery that had fans double-taking and double-tapping. Draped in red hues and marbled textures reminiscent of A5 wagyu beef, the car quickly earned the nickname “Steak F1.” The timing of the reveal led many to question its legitimacy, but whether it was a joke or not, it undeniably had people talking.
The response was immediate and passionate. Some fans genuinely preferred it to the team’s usual green fade, praising the clean, cohesive palette and retro feel. The design drew comparisons to Ferrari’s iconic red and sparked tongue-in-cheek debates about which team it resembled more. Others noted the return of the number 27, cheekily nodding to Nico Hulkenberg.
The internet did what it does best: roast, toast, and serve up memes at high speed. Suddenly, F1 fans were fantasizing about chrome McLarens, Gulf-inspired mashups, and Hulkenberg rebranded as “Hulkenburger.” Even Zhou Guanyu wasn’t spared, reimagined as “Zhou Wagyu.”
The Real Joke? It’s Better Than Their Race Livery
Let’s be honest—when your April Fools’ prank gets more love than your actual livery, you’ve either done something very right or very wrong. Many fans pointed out that the “steak” look was a step up from Stake F1’s current green-and-black scheme, which has faced criticism for lacking visual harmony and polish.
The red-and-white aesthetic was simple but effective, sparking nostalgia and admiration alike. Comparisons were made to other April Fools’ classics, like the Porsche “Pink Pig” Le Mans livery—but this time with a seasoning of satire and a garnish of grill marks.
April Fools, But Make It Fashion
The livery wasn’t just a mock-up. The team went full send on visuals, social media rollout, and even digital renders that looked convincingly track-ready. Stake F1 knew exactly what they were doing: playing the algorithm, feeding the meme economy, and maybe—just maybe—testing the waters for future color schemes.
There was even talk about whether the livery might actually appear at Suzuka, with some fans noting how well it would pair with Lewis Hamilton’s red-and-white helmet or how it echoed past Alfa Romeo designs.
The Verdict: Grill Marks of Approval
While the car might not be running wagyu wheels at Suzuka, Stake F1’s April Fools’ stunt did what all great stunts do—it entertained, it surprised, and it reminded us that F1 isn’t just about engineering perfection. It’s also about personality, humor, and connecting with fans beyond the stopwatch.
So here’s to the marbled mayhem of “Steak F1.” Well played, Sauber. Just… maybe keep the red on the menu a little longer?