Russian sponsor demands refund from Haas after Nikita Mazepin’s F1 contract terminated

The axed Russian sponsor of Formula One team Haas has demanded a full refund and threatened legal action after they and driver Nikita Mazepin were dropped ahead of the 2022 season.

Uralkali, who are owned by Mazepin’s father Dmitry, saw their title sponsorship agreement with Haas terminated by the American team in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and now want an “immediate reimbursement”.

In a statement, Uralkali criticised the decision to end the sponsorship deal due to the invasion of Ukraine and confirmed that the funds would be donated to a foundation set up by Mazepin to support athletes who are unable to compete in their sport because of “political reasons”.

Mazepin, who announced at a press conference on Wednesday that his foundation would be called ‘We Compete As One’, was cut by Haas even after the FIA ruled that the 23-year-old would be allowed to continue racing under a neutral flag. Other sports bodies such as Fifa and the International Olympic Committee have banned Russian athletes from competing in international events.

Uralkali released a statement shortly before Mazepin’s press conference in which they said Haas’ decision was “unreasonable” as they believe sport “should always be free of politics and pressure from external factors.”

It continued: “Uralkali intends to protect its interests in line with applicable legal procedures and reserves its rights to initiate judicial proceedings, claim damages and seek repayment of the significant amounts Uralkali had paid for the 2022 Formula One season.

“As most of the sponsorship funding for the 2022 season has already been transferred to Haas and given that the team terminated the sponsorship agreement before the first race of the 2022 season, Haas has thus failed to perform its obligations to Uralkali for this year’s season.

“Uralkali shall request the immediate reimbursement of the amounts received by Haas. The refund from Haas and the remaining part of Uralkali’s sponsor financing for 2022 will be used to establish the We Compete As One athlete support foundation.”

Mazepin claimed at his press conference that he only discovered he had been dropped by Haas when the team released the press release of their decision to terminate his contract.

He said he was set to compete under a neutral flag, following the FIA’s decision to allow the 23-year-old to remain on the grid, only to discover he had been dropped.

“I was very disappointed with the way it was handled,” Mazepin said. “I was told if the FIA allowed me to compete on their rules, and I agreed to them, there would be no actions to remove me from the seat.

“I have not heard from the team since it happened and I learnt about the firing of me the same time it was released to the press. I am a young man and I was not ready for it. I did not receive any hint, or any support, or be told that this is the decision we have taken. I learnt the same time as you did.

“I lost my dream which I have been working towards for 18 years. I didn’t imagine the situation of losing my drive would happen so soon.

“But I absolutely do not see Formula One as a closed chapter. I am going to stay in race condition and I will be ready to take on an opportunity if it comes.”