Russian corporation Uralkali voices criticism after Haas terminated sponsorship deal and is considering legal action to reclaim funds
Haas’ split with major sponsor Uralkali has repercussions: the Russian company is considering taking legal action against the Formula One team to reclaim its sponsorship payments for 2022 after the team terminated its contract in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Already during the pre-season test in Barcelona, Haas had suspended its Uralkali sponsorship and announced after a review that it was ending its relationship with the brand and driver Nikita Masepin, son of company chairman Dimitri Masepin.
A statement released by Uralkali this Wednesday said that “they have been informed by the team of the unilateral termination of the sponsorship agreement with Uralkali due to the current geopolitical situation. “
Uralkali threatens Haas with legal action
Criticism follows: “The company considers the team’s decision inappropriate and believes that sport should always be free from politics and outside pressure.”
“In light of the above, Uralkali intends to protect its interests in accordance with applicable legal procedures and reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings, claim damages and seek repayment of the substantial amounts paid by Uralkali for the 2022 Formula 1 season. “
The majority of the sponsorship money for 2022 has already been transferred to Haas, it continues. However, as the joint contract was terminated before the first race, Haas had not fulfilled its obligations against Uralkali.
New foundation established as backlash
Therefore, the group demands “the immediate reimbursement of the amounts received from Haas”. According to the statement, they, as well as the remaining part of the planned sponsorship funding, are to be used to set up a foundation to support Russian athletes under the name “We Compete As One”.
This is intended to support athletes who are currently not allowed to compete for political reasons. Masepin – unlike most athletes from Russia – could theoretically have continued to compete in Formula 1. The FIA decided against a ban, but imposed certain conditions on Russian drivers.
As for Haas, it will team up with reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi alongside regular driver Mick Schumacher at the Formula 1 test in Bahrain, which starts tomorrow. Who will take over Masepin’s vacant cockpit on a permanent basis has not yet been decided.
Earlier this week, Hitech Grand Prix had also ended its sponsorship deal with Uralkali for its Formula 2 and Formula 3 teams. Uralkali has not yet announced whether it intends to initiate similar proceedings to Haas to reclaim its sponsorship money from the British motorsport team.
