Following a protracted legal struggle between Haas and a previous title sponsor, the F1 team was forced to make a sizable payment.
In a legal twist, Haas F1 Team has been ordered to pay compensation to former title sponsor Uralkali following a Swiss court ruling. The decision comes after Haas severed ties with Uralkali and dropped driver Nikita Mazepin in early 2022, following the onset of Russian military action in Ukraine.
Uralkali, a major potash producer, became Haas’ title sponsor in 2021 when Mazepin, son of Russian oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, joined the team. The sponsorship was abruptly terminated in 2022 amid sanctions against the Mazepins due to their connections with the Russian government.
Uralkali argued that Haas breached their contract by ending the sponsorship before the start of the 2022 season, demanding a refund of $13 million. Haas countered, citing a clause protecting its reputation, claiming the Mazepins’ ties to the Kremlin triggered the disrepute clause.
However, the Swiss tribunal sided with Uralkali, rejecting Haas’ counterclaims and mandating the team to repay the sponsorship funds. Uralkali announced it expects Haas to comply swiftly with the ruling, with the compensation earmarked for the company’s production facilities’ development and modernization. This ruling concludes the high-profile dispute between the racing team and its former sponsor.
