Haas has split with title sponsor Rich Energy just nine months into their partnership.
The British drinks company originally signed a three-year deal to feature on the American team’s cars, bringing back a livery very similar to the black and gold John Player Special Lotus’ of the 1970s.
However, an internal power struggle led to a farcical weekend at Silverstone with Rich Energy founder William Storey tweeting their deal had been terminated only for him to be removed from his post by stakeholders several days later.
That same weekend, Storey mocked Haas for an early double retirement posting a picture of himself driving a milk float again on Twitter.
Their partnership itself started in controversy after Rich Energy had initially reportedly agreed to a deal with Williams only to announce their arrival into Formula 1 with Haas not long afterwards.
During that time their schtick has been to mock Red Bull, one of their main competitors, resulting in some rather bewildering PR as they realised Haas couldn’t compete with the Austrian giant on track.
Then the legal trouble started in June when the company’s stag logo was ruled as a copyright breach in a case against Whytes Bikes.
It is no surprise then that Haas has finally ended their association with Rich Energy, confirming the split in a press release.
“Haas F1 Team and Rich Energy have amicably agreed to end their partnership together in the FIA Formula One World Championship with immediate effect,” the statement read.
“While enjoying substantial brand recognition and significant exposure through its title partnership of the Haas F1 Team in 2019, a corporate restructuring process at Rich Energy will see the need for a revised global strategy.
“Subsequently, the Haas F1 Team and Rich Energy concluded a termination of the exiting partnership was the best way forward for both parties.
“Haas F1 team would like to express its thanks and best wishes to the stakeholders at Rich Energy.”