Steiner and Haas reach settlement in legal dispute

40

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner and his former employer, the Haas F1 Team, have reached a settlement in their legal dispute.

The long-running legal battle, which began in April of last year, has finally come to a close, with both parties agreeing to resolve the issues without further litigation.

The case, which centered around Steiner's contract non-renewal and alleged continued use of his name and likeness, has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.

A Long Road to Resolution

Steiner, 59, initially filed a lawsuit against Haas Formula, LLC, claiming that the team owed him money after his contract was not renewed.

In his legal filing, Steiner argued that Haas' rise in popularity, particularly in the growing American Formula 1 market, was largely due to his efforts, stating that the team’s fanbase and success were built around his presence.

Steiner also alleged that Haas had continued to use his name and likeness long after informing him that his contract would not be extended, further deepening the dispute.

The legal case prompted widespread interest, given Steiner's high profile within the F1 community, particularly after his candid and colorful appearances on Netflix’s Drive to Survive series.

However, after nearly 29 hours of voluntary mediation in Mecklenburg County, the dispute was resolved.

The mediation resulted in both parties reaching an agreement, with the lawsuit being dismissed "with prejudice," meaning that the case cannot be refiled by Steiner in the future.

Haas and Steiner's Joint Statement

Following the resolution, Haas released a statement confirming that both the team and Steiner had come to terms:

“Haas Formula, LLC is pleased to announce that Guenther Steiner and Haas Formula, LLC have resolved their dispute, that Guenther Steiner has withdrawn all allegations previously made in his lawsuit, and all claims asserted against Haas Formula, LLC have been dismissed with prejudice.

Both Mr. Steiner and Haas Formula, LLC wish each other success in their future endeavours and will have no further comments on this matter.”

This statement marks the conclusion of a chapter that saw both sides embroiled in a very public legal dispute, one that seemed to highlight a growing divide after Steiner’s departure from the team.

Steiner’s Legacy at Haas

Steiner had been at the helm of Haas F1 since 2014, playing a crucial role in guiding the team from its inception to its competitive debut in Formula 1.

Under his leadership, Haas achieved its best-ever result in 2018, finishing fifth in the Constructors' Championship, an achievement that cemented his reputation as one of the sport's most dynamic and no-nonsense leaders.

During his tenure, Steiner became a fan favorite, particularly through Drive to Survive, where his directness and often humorous demeanor made him a standout character.

However, following a string of disappointing seasons, including finishing at the bottom of the constructors' standings in two of his final three years, Steiner was replaced by Ayao Komatsu for 2024.

While the legal dispute has now been settled, it’s clear that both Steiner and Haas are ready to turn the page.

With new leadership in place and a fresh driver lineup, the American team is preparing for the future, as is Steiner, who will no doubt continue to make his mark in the motorsport world.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Michael Delaney