--- title: "Guenther Steiner Is Suing Haas F1 for Allegedly Not Paying Him" description: "Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner is suing the team for not paying what he's owed and continuing to use his likeness." date: "2024-05-01" modified: "2024-05-01" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/guenther-steiner-is-suing-haas-f1-for-allegedly-not-paying-him" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Guenther Steiner Is Suing Haas F1 for Allegedly Not Paying Him ![]() *\Getty \* Guenther Steiner, the most meme-worthy[ Formula 1 ]()team principal, was let go by [Haas F1]() at the end of last season. Despite being among the most famous F1 team bosses, Haas decided not to renew his contract for the 2024 season. However, Steiner is now suing his former team, not for being fired but because Haas allegedly hasn't paid him. According to [*Motorsport*](), Mecklenburg, North Carolina county court documents claim that Haas has refused to pay what he's owed, per his contract. "[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." The exact dollar amount that [Steiner]() claims to be owed is redacted in the documents. However, Steiner isn't just after the money left from his contract. He also claims that Haas is still using his likeness—both his face and his name—on merchandise, in advertising, and on Haas' website. Since he was team principal last year, Steiner is also featured heavily in the latest season of Netflix's Drive to Survive and is a fan-favorite for his funny quotes and personality. ![]() **Getty** "Haas F1 was frequently featured in the series, and Mr. Steiner's presence in the show drove more and more fans to Haas F1,” said the court documents. Using Steiner's likeness, and TV popularity, wouldn't be a problem if he were still employed by Haas F1. But since his contract was terminated at the end of last season, Steiner is looking for compensation for the use of his name and image. After three seasons of being Haas F1 team principal, and becoming famous on Drive to Survive, Steiner is one of the sport's more recognizable figures. On one hand, he's frequently flipping his lid on the show but, on the other, he says some genuinely, accidentally funny stuff. Love him or hate him, his likeness has brought attention to the Haas team. Steiner will be attending the 2024 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, serving as an ambassador. So it's clear his name still carries weight in the sport, even after leaving Haas. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()