The Formula One racing squad is encountering substantial issues following its former financial backer.
Issues for Formula 1 team Haas: Owing to an outstanding payment issue with ex-sponsor Uralkali, German driver Nico Hülkenberg's team was unable to depart from the Zandvoort racetrack, Netherlands, as scheduled on Sunday night, heading for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
The claimed sum stands at more than ten million euros. Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Uralkali, formerly the main title sponsor, had transferred this amount to Haas for the 2022 season. Following the termination of the deal and the departure of Russian driver Nikita Masepin from the team, Haas allegedly retained the sponsorship money.
Uralkali now seeks this money, along with accrued interest and fees, accounting for a total of twelve million dollars (approximately 10.73 million euros). In June, a Swiss court came to Uralkali's favor, ruling that Haas should pay up. Being late with the payment, Uralkali made an appeal to the North Holland District Court, seeking to seize the Haas race cars and team equipment in Zandvoort as a form of security until the refund is acquired. Haas admitted cooperation on the issue, stating, "There's no disagreement over the amount owed."
However, the dispute was not settled by Sunday night, resulting in the team's inability to travel to Italy as arranged. Time is crucial: Rehearsals start on Friday in Monza, followed by the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday (3:00 PM/Sky and live updates on ntv.de). Media day falls on Thursday, and under normal circumstances, teams begin setting up midweek.
Despite the Swiss court ruling in Uralkali's favor, demanding the payment of over 10 million euros from Haas, the formula one team has yet to comply, leading to a financial dispute. This ongoing issue with Formula 1 team Haas and Uralkali prevented Hülkenberg's team from departing for the Italian Grand Prix.
