The Haas System One staff should pay compensation to a former sponsor, a court docket in Switzerland has determined. The Russian firm, Uralkali, had filed a lawsuit as they believed that the American staff did not honour the sponsorship settlement. The decide dominated in favour of Uralkali as we speak after a listening to. In April 2022, Haas introduced that it might not pay again the equal £10 million which it acquired earlier than the beginning of the season from Uralkali.
On March 5, 2022, Haas terminated the contract with Russian driver Nikita Mazepin due to the battle between Russia and Ukraine. Mazepin carried out poorly in his solely season in F1 in 2021. The Russian turned famend for his errors. The staff additionally terminated its settlement with Uralkali. On March 9 of the identical yr, Uralkali demanded that the staff return the sponsorship cash. Uralkali sponsored the staff when Russian Nikita Mazepin was nonetheless driving for Haas, however he was sidelined when Russia declared struggle on Ukraine. Earlier, Uralkali submitted a declare of 12 million euros to Haas. “The Firm anticipates that Haas will fulfil its obligations underneath the ruling with out undue delay. The funds, as soon as acquired, are supposed for the event and modernization of the Firm’s manufacturing amenities.” Mentioned the Uralkali press companies.
The court docket rejected all of Haas’ counterclaims. Gene Haas’ staff has been concerned in lawsuits typically lately. Former staff boss Gunther Steiner additionally took them to court docket on unpaid commissions and unauthorised use of Steiner’s picture. The results of this case is but to be introduced.
