Formula One team Haas were allowed to leave the Zandvoort circuit, after their debt was paid off to their former sponsor Uralkali. 

The American team owned by billionaire Gene Haas were retained back by the Dutch authorities, for their unpaid debt to Uralkali, they could leave only if the amount was paid off. Uralkali is a Russian sponsor, and also has close connections with former Russian Haas driver Nikita Mazepin. 

Uralkali has seized their assets until the payment has been done, which was completed a day ago, and they are free to leave the Netherlands . Haas’s officials have also confirmed that the payment is done and has been paid in full amount of €10 euros, following the Swiss rules of arbitration. Their ex sponsor has also collected the race car owed to them as per the rules of the contract. 

What is the situation with Haas and Uralkali? 

Uralkali was no longer sponsor of Haas, when the Russian invasion in Ukraine was going on, in the beginning of 2022, and US ended sanctions with Russia, as a result Haas had to cut off their sponsorship deal with Uralkali abruptly, and sacked off their driver Nikita Mazepin who had close contacts with the president of Russia. The US team had to return the part of sponsorship payment of $13 million dollars for the 2022 season. With this ruling, Uralkali demanded Haas to either pay off or seize their assets through Dutch authorities. 

That is why Dutch police and authorities visited the team’s office and facilities, where they were trying to evaluate the situation, and possibly acquire their assets, disabling Haas to race for next weekend in Monza. However on Sunday, Haas announced that the payment was made to Uralkali, despite a little technicality in the payment that would reach the account of the Russian sponsor. 

According to Dutch authorities, the team would leave the Netherlands, only and only if the payment was completely transferred to the former Russian sponsor account. 

Previously in this Dutch weekend, they were not even allowed to race as Dutch police was present at the race track, where their drivers finished 11th and 18th.

Urakali confirmed Haas’s payment

In their statement, earlier today, the company clarified the outstanding payment has completely been done and the Dutch authorities could release the seized assets as per the order, which is a huge relief for the team, as it was a huge concern for them, not being able to race in the next Grand Prix at Monza, Italy. 

The company has also stated that the money returned to them would be able to ensure proper food supply, as they are also going to retain the car as a part of sponsorship agreement. 

As the debt has been cleared off, Haas can make their way to race in Monza. Italy’s Monza circuit has been hosting the 16th race of the season.