Günther Steiner files legal action against Haas F1 team

Günther Steiner has filed court papers in the US with his former employers, the Haas Formula One team.

Confirmed:

• Steiner has claimed he has not been paid for commissions that he was owed over several years
• He also claimed the team continues to sell merchandise with his likeness, as well as use him on their website

Context:

Steiner left the Haas Formula One team before the start of this season after ten years as team principal. He gained international recognition through his starring role in Netflix’s Drive to Survive series, with his blunt and expletive-laden rants proving a hit with fans.

At the time, team owner Gene Haas told the F1 website that it “was an appropriate time to make a change and try a different direction, because it doesn’t seem like continuing with what we had is really going to work”.

Comment:

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.’

It added: ‘But 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.’

Coming next:

This news comes ahead of Formula One’s first US race of the season, with the Miami Grand Prix taking place from 3rd to 5th May.

Go deeper:

• Inside the deal: Günther Steiner breaks down Haas’ MoneyGram title sponsorship
• New Haas F1 team principal Komatsu ‘not trying to be Günther Steiner’