Haas drop Rich Energy stag to avoid ‘media circus’

Rich Energy have asked Haas to drop the stag from their logo ahead of this weekend’s Canadian GP having lost a copyright infringement claim.

Last month Whyte Bikes won a copyright infringement claim against Rich Energy over their stag logo.

The design is almost identical to the one established by Whyte and features on Haas’ VF-19 as well as the drivers’ helmets.

But while Haas still ran the stag at the Monaco GP, it has now been dropped ahead of Canada.

“We have asked our partners Haas F1 team to remove stag element from car this weekend,” the sponsor said on social media.

“Whilst we own the stag trademarks and registrations worldwide, including Canada, we don’t want any media circus for team whilst we contest baseless case with Whyte Bikes and win.”

We have asked our partners @HaasF1Team to remove stag element from car this weekend. Whilst we own the stag trademarks & registrations worldwide Inc Canada we don't want any media circus for team whilst we contest baseless case with @WhyteBikes & win. #richenergy #CanadianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/VhCK1ret2E

— Rich Energy (@rich_energy) June 7, 2019

Rich Energy did not say whether the stag will return for the next race, the French GP.

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