Haas would not have reimbursed its former title sponsor

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the team Haas F1 had decided to terminate the contract linking it to Uralkali, its Russian title sponsor. Second driver of the team, Nikita mazepin was also ruled out following the FIA's decisions concerning the participation of drivers from the country, who in particular could not compete under the Russian banner and had to respect a code of good conduct.

Uralkali then requested from Haas a partial reimbursement of the funds committed for the 2022 Formula 1 season. The company's reasoning was that the payment made covered a longer period than that of January 1 to March 4 (date of the effective termination of the CONTRACT). An arbitration then took place in Switzerland, and the decision rendered last June was that Haas was within its rights, and could therefore break the contract as it had done. Secondly, however, it was clarified that Haas had to reimburse part of the payment made by Uralkali, in proportion to the effective duration of the contract, a little over two months.

Nearly nine million dollars requested

Of the thirteen million dollars paid by Uralkali, it is estimated that nine of them should go to the Russian company, as well as one of the cars driven by Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher during the 2021 Formula 1 season. The terms of the contract stipulated that Uralkali had the right to one of these single-seaters for the season contested under the colors of the company specializing in fertilizers and potash salts. In a press release, Uralkali explains that the deadline set by the arbitration court for reimbursement and delivery of the car passed, without any action on the part of Haas.

“Unfortunately, neither the money (plus interest and fees) was paid nor the racing car delivered on time. A letter sent by Uralkali to Haas in early July, offering options for delivery of the race car, went unanswered. Additional interest on the allocated amount continues to accrue”, we can read in the published press release.

A spokesperson for the brand went further: “Haas' failure to execute the required transfers constitutes a blatant violation of the court's decision, as determined by an arbitration proceeding signed by both parties. This gives new meaning to the term “unsportsmanlike conduct.” Uralkali will use all means provided for by law to ensure that the decision is implemented. Let all current and potential sponsors of Haas be aware of the type of treatment that may await them. »

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