Haas off to Monza

The Haas F1 Team is now free to head to Monza and prepare for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after its Uralkali dispute was resolved.

Haas is now able to take its cars and equipment from Zandvoort to Monza after former sponsor Uralkali confirmed it had received the receipt of a refund payment believed to be around $9 million, plus a F1 car.

On the eve of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Haas terminated its association with title sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

But after a court hearing in June, it was stated that whilst Haas was within its rights to terminate the deal, it needed to give back a portion of the sponsorship balance it received from Uralkali.

The Russian fertiliser company took action after it claimed it had not received the repayment by the July deadline.

Whilst Haas was able to compete in the Dutch Grand Prix, the court order meant the team could not leave Zandvoort until the payment was confirmed.

The payment was confirmed on Monday afternoon and now the Haas F1 Team should be able to prepare for the Italian Grand Prix on time.

“Uralkali confirms that we have received in full the payment owed by Haas (including interest and fees) following the ruling of the Swiss court of arbitration.

“We have also collected the race car owed to us under the terms of the sponsorship agreement,” a Uralkali statement read.

“As such, Uralkali has notified Dutch authorities that they may release Haas’ assets from arrest as an interim measure, and Haas is free to take them out of the Netherlands.”

“Uralkali have now confirmed receipt of last Friday’s financial transfer and therefore our trucks have been given clearance to depart The Netherlands and make their way to Italy immediately,” Haas said in a statement.

Photo by Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images

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