Despite his departure, Steiner remains a well-known figure in the Formula 1 community, often making appearances in different roles for broadcasters.
Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has initiated legal proceedings against his former team, alleging unpaid commissions and unauthorized use of his image.
Steiner, who left the American team in January along with technical director Simone Resta, filed a legal action in North Carolina, where the team is based.
Despite his departure, Steiner continues to hold a prominent position in the Formula 1 community, frequently appearing in various capacities for broadcasters.
According to legal documents filed by Steiner’s lawyers, although Haas F1 had the right not to renew his Employment Contract, they are still obligated to fulfill the financial commitments established in the agreement.
The documents state that Haas F1 failed to compensate Steiner for the amount due as established in his Employment Contract, despite benefiting from his reputation, experience, and industry connections over the years.
Furthermore, Steiner alleges that Haas F1 unlawfully used his image to capitalize on his popularity, especially in relation to the widely popular documentary series, Drive to Survive.
According to the lawsuit, Steiner’s presence on the show helped increase fan engagement with Haas F1, which the team used to generate additional revenue.
However, Steiner claims that the team does not have the right to commercially exploit his name, image, or likeness after the termination of his employment, and he did not receive any compensation for the unauthorized use.
This legal dispute highlights the complexities surrounding contractual obligations and intellectual property rights in professional sports, especially in high-profile industries like Formula 1.
Steiner’s legal action emphasizes the importance of honoring agreements and respecting individual rights to likeness and intellectual property, even after leaving a team or organization.
Source: https://www.pitpass.com/77554/Steiner-takes-legal-action-against-Haas
