Post-race departure from the Netherlands is currently impossible for the Haas team after this Sunday's event at Zandvoort.
Dutch police and legal officials intervened at the Formula 1 team's facilities during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, taking official possession of their racing cars, motorhome, trucks, and additional equipment.
The team has temporary access to the confiscated items over the race weekend.
However, unless Haas repays roughly $10 million owed to its aggrieved former Russian backer Uralkali, they face restrictions on leaving the nation.
"They must inform us where all the equipment is," stated Dutch attorney Jurjen de Korte, who represents Nikita Mazepin's previous sponsor. "If they do not comply, they are committing a criminal offense."
A Swiss arbitration ruling in June demanded Haas reimburse sponsorship funds following their decision to terminate agreements with Uralkali and Mazepin during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict outbreak.
"They had time to comply," the attorney continued, "but they were playing hide-and-seek. The ball is in their court, they have to find a solution."
Haas has expressed its intention to settle the debts, though is reportedly finding it challenging to navigate the intricate anti-Russian sanctions. "We will continue to work with Uralkali in the coming days to finally resolve this matter," stated the team owned by Gene Haas in a statement.
Ayao Komatsu, the team principal, remarked on Friday: "We're not disputing it whatsoever, but it's a complicated process to transfer the funds across."
Should Haas fail to resolve this promptly, they risk missing the upcoming Italian GP, violating their agreements with Formula 1 as well.
Uralkali's response in a press release was unforgiving.
"This is the expected consequence of Haas' refusal to obey the ruling of arbitrage awarding payment and a race car to Uralkali," declared the Russian fertilizer giant.
"There are not now and never have been any sanctions issues preventing Haas from fulfilling its obligations. Nevertheless, they have gone unfulfilled," Uralkali further stated.
"We are delighted to hear that, following last night's visit from Dutch authorities, Haas is finally paying attention to the arbitral ruling."
