Announced last week by our team, the Haas team had until July 13, 2024 to send the compensations requested by the Swiss court. According to a press release issued by Uralkali, the team did not fulfill its obligations within the specified time frame.
An endless story
As a reminder, the American team had terminated its contract with the Russian company Uralkali in 2022 after the start of the war in Ukraine. An unexpected termination that had led to legal action between the two parties and had ruled in favor of Haas. Although no compensation was ordered for the team, Haas was sentenced to repay the total amount of the sponsorship and to send the car of Nikita Mazepin, son of the Uralkali boss, as stipulated in the contract.
Shortly after the court decision, the Russian company had sent a letter to those concerned to specify the final date of shipment. This letter remained unanswered according to Uralkali. A letter sent by Uralkali to Haas in early July proposing options for the delivery of the race car remained unanswered. Interest on the awarded amount continues to accumulate, they said in their press release.
As the team was supposed to provide the car and the money this Tuesday, Haas failed to send the due amounts in time. Unfortunately, neither the money (with interest and fees) was paid, nor the race car was delivered before the required deadline, Uralkali specified.
According to the company’s statements, the judgment was pronounced on June 12, 2024 with a one-month deadline for compensation. With a delay of several days now, Haas could once again be contacted by the court or even lose other sponsors in Formula 1. » Failure by Haas to make the required transfers is a blatant violation of the court decision, resulting from an arbitration process to which both parties have agreed. This gives new meaning to the term ”unsportsmanlike behavior”, said the company spokesperson. Uralkali will use all legal means to ensure that the decision is enforced. All current and potential sponsors of Haas will be notified of the type of treatment that could be reserved for them. »
Quizzed by several media outlets, including Autosport, Haas refused to comment on the situation.
