Haas cars and equipment on their way to Monza

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Haas has received clearance to transport its cars and equipment to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix after reaching a settlement with former sponsor Uralkali.

The American team faced a potential seizure of their assets at the Dutch Grand Prix due to an outstanding payment dispute with its former sponsor.

Uralkali had sought to recover a portion of the hefty $13 million sponsorship payment made for the 2022 season following the early termination of their deal with Haas at the behest of the US outfit following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

However, a tardy payment process by Haas compelled Uralkali to initiate legal proceedings with the Dutch courts to seize Haas' assets, which led to the team being temporarily unable to leave the Netherlands after taking part in Sunday’s race at Zandvoort.

However, on Monday, the Russian fertilizer giant confirmed that they had received the outstanding payment of approximately $9 million as well as Nikita Mazepin’s 2021 F1 car which was also part of the two parties' settlement.

Read also:

Haas-Uralkali legal dispute settled: Partial refund ordered

“Uralkali confirms that we have received in full the payment owed by Haas (including interest and fees) following the ruling of the Swiss court of arbitration,” the company said in a statement issued on Monday.

“We have also collected the race car owed to us under the terms of the sponsorship agreement. As such, Uralkali has notified Dutch authorities that they may release Haas' assets from arrest as an interim measure, and Haas is free to take them out of the Netherlands.”

Haas, for their part, maintained that they had made the payment last Friday, with confirmation delayed due to the weekend.

The wire transfer, understood to be deposited into an account in the Middle East to avoid breaching sanctions against Russian businesses, has now been acknowledged by Uralkali.

With the legal impasse finally resolved, Haas’s trucks have been cleared to leave the Netherlands and make their way to Monza immediately.

"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 team stated.

Despite the last-minute drama, the delay is not expected to affect Haas's preparations for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.