Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has clarified that Rich Energy remains the title partner of the American squad.
On Wednesday evening, Rich Energy released a social media post affirming that the energy drink squad had ended its partnership with Haas.
However, in a short statement, Steiner has insisted that Rich Energy remains the title sponsor of Haas ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend.
“Rich Energy is currently the title partner of Haas F1 Team," read the statement. "I cannot comment further on the contractual relationship between our two parties due to commercial confidentiality.”
Rich Energy has been engaged in a legal battle with British company Whyte Bikes this year, who claim Rich Energy has stolen its logo of a stag head.
Rich Energy lost the court battle, and was denied an appeal, while it was also requested to unveil its financial obligations to the Haas F1 team to the court.
Haas has endured a difficult season so far, as it has struggled for strong pace at most Grands Prix, despite displaying encouraging performances during Saturday qualifying.
After nine races so far in 2019, the American outfit sits ninth in the constructors' standings, one point behind Toro Rosso. However, it has not scored a top ten finish at the last three events.
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Replies (5)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
what the hell is going on
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They probably are and could very well be until the end of the season for all we know, pull-outs ain't as easy as Rich seem to think, unless Haas has broken their terms and conditions, which I doubt. IMO, Rich got cold feet when they saw the bill, and now that they wanna run away with their toys they cannot. And their logo is stolen.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
i think the sport would benefit from them leaving completely
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I agree, and I'd go so far as saying there is no need for think. F1 would be better off without that brand.
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
It seems the owner of Rich Energy, William Storey (nice beard btw) had a quarrel with other members of the board or investors and he decidied to send this information to the media but in fact he has no legal rights to make such a decision to quit sponsorship and it seems the investors will keep the deal with Haas.
But it doesn't look very good from PR side, same at this company.