Guenther Steiner, former Haas team principal, has taken legal action against his previous employer. He claims that Haas F1 hasn’t paid him the commissions he was supposed to receive over several years. This goes against their agreement. Also, he says Haas is still selling merchandise with his name and picture, and using his image on their website without his permission. Steiner also claims he’s not receiving the royalties he’s owed.
In the court documents, Steiner says he should have been paid for commissions from 2021 to 2023, which were part of his last employment contract. Haas didn’t renew his contract but hasn’t paid him the money he’s owed.
The court papers state, “Haas F1 chose not to renew Mr. Steiner’s Employment Agreement. This was its right. But Haas F1 has done what it has no right to do and refused to pay Mr. Steiner [amount redacted] owed under his Employment Agreement.”
Steiner believes Haas is benefiting from his reputation and connections in Formula 1, even though they’re not paying him what he’s due.
The court documents don’t specify the exact commissions Steiner is owed, but they could be related to sponsor deals he brought to the team. Steiner thinks Haas shouldn’t be using his image and brand after terminating his contract.
The court papers mention Steiner’s role in the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” which boosted Haas F1’s popularity. They say Haas benefited from Steiner’s presence in the show but hasn’t compensated him for it.
Steiner claims Haas is profiting from his brand and image without permission. According to the court documents, “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. Haas F1 has not compensated Mr. Steiner for its unauthorized use of his name, image, and likeness.”
