Lubomir Asenov/Motorsport Images
Haas trucks cleared to leave for Monza after Uralkali drama
Haas has confirmed its trucks have been given clearance to leave the Netherlands after the Dutch Grand Prix and head to Monza.
Former title sponsor Uralkali was awaiting the return of money it had paid to the team in early 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine that led to Haas terminating the contract. While the end of the deal was deemed legal by a Swiss tribunal in June, it also ordered Haas to pay back the funds it had received in advance.
With that return payment not being received by Uralkali for more than two months, the Russian company initiated proceedings at Zandvoort by sending in bailiffs that itemized Haas’ inventory and could stop it from leaving the country until it had received the outstanding amount.
Uralkali was Haas' title sponsor in 2021. Charles Coates/Motorsport Images
Haas made the payment on Friday having “been working with its lawyers to ensure payment will comply with all relevant U.S., EU, UK and Swiss sanctions laws and regulations”, but as of Sunday had not yet received acknowledgement of the transaction from Uralkali, and so its trucks did not depart the Netherlands after Sunday’s race.
On Monday morning, a team spokesperson stated the situation has been resolved and the team’s equipment can head to Monza.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
RACER understands the team does not envisage any impact or delays on its preparations for this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, with track action starting around 700 miles away in northern Italy on Friday.
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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