Haas Rejects $13 Million Refund Demand From Former Sponsor

The Haas Formula One racing team has rejected a demand for a $13 million refund from former sponsor Uralkali.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Haas cut ties with sponsor Uralkali — a Russian fertilizer company — and fired driver Nikita Mazepin, the son of Uralkali owner Dmitry Mazepin. 

Haas claimed that Dmitry Mazepin’s ties to Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin triggered a disrepute clause in the sponsorship contract.

According to Motorsport.com, Haas cited a clause in the contract that stated Uralkali could not “injure, bring into dispute, ridicule, or lessen the public reputation, goodwill, or favourable image of Haas.”

Uralkali demanded a refund of the sponsor money it paid to Haas prior to the 2021 racing season, but Haas rejected the claim.

In addition, Haas is demanding Uralkali pay it $8.7 million as compensation for loss of profits from the partnership.