The Haas Formula 1 team has removed the Uralkali logos from its car, apparel and more following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine late last month. And the agreement with the Russian company was finally terminated, as was Nikita Mazepin’s contract.
Uralkali became Haas ‘ title sponsor when Mazepin joined the team at the start of the 2021 season. This deal with the Russian company was a significant financial boost for the American structure.
However, Haas has assured that it will be able to meet its expenses without the financing of said company, which, if true, would allow it to continue with its plans without many shocks for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
Gunther Steiner , Haas team principal, admitted that the Uralkali left a “big hole” after his departure, but also stated that new sponsors were already showing interest.
“I must say there is a lot of interest at the moment,” Steiner said.
“I’m not promising anything. I think with the sponsorship thing, we started a little bit. That’s my take on it. But I think now we’re going to make progress.”
“I’m very confident. And again, we’re showing people that we want to be competitive again. So I think we have a good chance,” he added.
Haas Automotive , the company of team owner Gene Haas , is now more present in the livery of the Haas VF-22, which is also sponsored by the German company 1&1 and IONOS.
F1 is enjoying a boom in the United States, which will increase even more with the opening race of the Miami Grand Prix in May and the interest that Las Vegas has shown in hosting a race from next year.
Haas is the only American team currently on the top-flight grid, but Steiner said it was difficult to get support from American brands.
“It’s hard to have a big sponsorship from the United States right now.”
“But it’s not just difficult for Formula 1. If you look at other US competitions, there are sponsorships, but not a really big one,” Steiner concluded.
