Steiner’s career in motorsport began in the 1980s as a mechanic with the Mazda Rally Team Europe. He gradually built a successful career in rallying, working with various teams, including Top Run Srl, Ford Motor Company, and Red Bull Racing. However, In 2014, Steiner persuaded Gene Haas, owner of Haas Automation and NASCAR championship-winning team Stewart-Haas Racing, to enter Formula 1. With their entry in the 2016 season, Haas became the first American constructor to compete in Formula 1 in thirty years.

The Legal Turmoil Between Haas and Guenther Steiner

According to court documents filed in the Central District of California, Western Division, Haas Automation, the team’s sponsor, is suing Steiner and his publisher, Ten Speed Press, for unauthorized use of Haas Automation’s trademarks and trade dress in the book. Moreover, the complaint alleges that Steiner and Ten Speed Press used the trademarks without permission or consent from Haas Automation, which it claims constitutes an infringement of its intellectual property rights.

Haas Automation’s legal action comes in response to Steiner’s lawsuit, which was filed earlier this month in North Carolina, where the team is based. Steiner’s suit claims unpaid commissions and the unauthorized use of his image by the team following the termination of his employment in December 2023.

Haas was the first American constructor to submit an F1 entry after the failed US F1 project in 2010, marking a significant milestone in American motorsport history. Moreover, the team’s base is in Kannapolis, North Carolina, at the same facility as Haas’ championship-winning NASCAR team, Stewart-Haas Racing.

Complexities of Contractual Obligations

The legal battle between the Haas F1 team and its former team principal highlights the complexities of contractual obligations and intellectual property rights within the high-profile world of Formula 1. However, the outcome of the lawsuits could have significant implications for both parties and set a precedent for future disputes in the sport.

READ MORE: Alex Albon Extends Long-Term Commitment to Williams in Multi-Year Deal

The situation remains fluid, with both sides standing firm in their legal positions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Formula 1 community will be closely watching for developments in this high-stakes conflict.

The hunt for Mazepin’s replacement is still active. The name of 2nd driver alongside Mick Schumacher for the HASS team might be released by next week.

Preseason testing will begin in Bahrain on March 10, followed by the season opener Grand Prix at the same venue from March 18-20. On Thursday, F1 also cancelled its deal with the Russian promoter, which means there won’t be any races in Russia in the future.

READ MORE: “Impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix”-FIA

The termination and bans are not good for sports at all, as it dilutes the bond between fans and teams. One can wish that all this fiasco ends and everyone gets their jobs and chance to perform for their fans and sport altogether.