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Haas must compensate former sponsor after court decision

Haas must compensate this former sponsor after court decision is made

20 June at 20:24
Last update 20 June at 20:27
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  • Tygo Bekkema

The Haas Formula One team must pay compensation to a former sponsor, a court in Switzerland has decided. The Russian company, Uralkali, had filed a lawsuit as they believed that the American team failed to honour the sponsorship agreement. The judge ruled in favour of Uralkali today after a hearing. In April 2022, Haas announced that it would not pay back the equivalent £10 million which it received before the start of the season from Uralkali.  

On March 5, 2022, Haas terminated the contract with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Mazepin performed poorly in his only season in F1 in 2021. The Russian became renowned for his errors. The team also terminated its agreement with Uralkali. On March 9 of the same year, Uralkali demanded that the team return the sponsorship money. Uralkali sponsored the team when Russian Nikita Mazepin was still driving for Haas, but he was sidelined when Russia declared war on Ukraine. Earlier, Uralkali submitted a claim of 12 million euros to Haas. "The Company anticipates that Haas will fulfil its obligations under the ruling without undue delay. The funds, once received, are intended for the development and modernization of the Company’s production facilities." Said the Uralkali press services. 

The court rejected all of Haas' counterclaims. Gene Haas' team has been involved in lawsuits often recently. Former team boss Gunther Steiner also took them to court on unpaid commissions and unauthorised use of Steiner's image. The result of this case is yet to be announced.