Ex-Haas team boss Steiner sues F1 team

Court documents have revealed that Guenther Steiner has sued the Haas Formula 1 team.

Steiner was the team principal of the squad from its inception in 2014 and oversaw its day-to-day duties when it joined the grid in 2016.

However, ahead of the 2024 F1 campaign, Haas announced that Steiner would not return to the role and would be replaced by Ayao Komatsu.

The Italian is now taking legal action against his former team in Charlotte, North Carolina claiming unpaid commissions between 2021 and 2023 as well as the use of his likeness in promotional materials and merchandise.

The document notes that the third term of Steiner's employment spanned from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 during which time Steiner claims he was meant to receive annual payouts relating to the previous season.

Steiner has alleged that Haas has violated its employment agreement by not paying certain commissions.

The lawsuit outlines that “after years of accepting the benefits of Mr. Steiner's reputation, experience, and deep connections within the sport, Haas F1 cannot withhold from Mr. Steiner the benefits he has earned”.

The lawsuit also highlights that Haas is selling merchandise with his likeness appearing on it.

Steiner alleges that the act of doing so is without his authorization following the separation of the two parties and no royalties have been directed his way.

Steiner rose to popularity through his prominence on the Netflix docu-series Drive To Survive, where his consistent presence and quotable lines turned him into one of the paddock's most recognisable figures.

“Haas F1 has no right to use Mr Steiner's name, image, and likeness or to exploit them in any form of media after the termination of his employment,” the court document stated.

“Haas F1 has not compensated Mr Steiner for its unauthorised use of his name, image, and likeness.”

Steiner has been present at a handful of races at the start of the 2024 F1 season, carrying out presenting and pundit duties.