Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner files lawsuit against team management for violating employment contract!

Former team principal of Haas Guenther Steiner has sued his team in court for violating the employment contract. Steiner started leading the team when it was commissioned in 2014 and managed its daily tasks when it started racing in 2016.

But, before the 2024 Formula 1 season, Haas said Steiner wouldn't be back as the team principal. They chose Ayao Komatsu instead. Now, Steiner is suing his old team in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to him, they owe him money for work he did from 2021 to 2023. He also says they used his picture and name in ads and things they sold.

The court papers say Steiner worked from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. During that time, he was supposed to get paid for the work he did each year. However, Steiner slammed his former team for violating codes of employment. 

What are the courtroom documents?

The lawsuit consistently 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”.

It further states, “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 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. It’s worth noting that Steiner became well-known because of his presence in the Netflix show ‘Drive to Survive.’ 

He was often seen on the Netflix show called ‘Drive To Survive’ and has been phenomenal. His regular appearances and memorable quotes made him one of the most easily recognized people in the racing world.