In the world of Formula One, rumours can spread like wildfire, and recently a particularly sensational one caught the attention of the F1 world. The rumour claimed that Guenther Steiner, the team principal of the Haas F1 Team, was preparing to sue team owner Gene Haas for a staggering $900 million.
The alleged reason for the legal action revolved around a 2016 agreement that Steiner believed entitled him to a 50 per cent stake in the F1 team. However, as with many rumours, the truth is often different from the headlines.
Origins of the rumour
The rumour of a $900 million lawsuit surfaced earlier this month and quickly caught the attention of the F1 community. It centred on an alleged agreement between Guenther Steiner and Gene Haas in 2016, in which Steiner believed he had been promised a 50 per cent stake in the Haas F1 team.
According to BusinessF1 Magazine, Steiner claimed that Haas had reneged on this agreement, prompting him to consider legal action. The reported aim of this legal action was to claim half of the team’s estimated market value, speculated to be a staggering $900 million.
Steiner had been on the PR offensive recently and whilst he told PlanetF1 he had a good relationship with Gene Haas he also made much of the fact that he was involved in the formation of the Haas F1 Team from the very beginning. He said:
“I think it has to be my passion project. I started this team. I went out and found an investor,” Gunther states.
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Steiner’s reaction: Laughter and disbelief
Guenther Steiner, known for his direct and often colourful comments, reacted to the rumours with a mixture of disbelief and humour.
He revealed that he had discussed the alleged $900 million lawsuit with Gene Haas, and that Haas had responded with a dismissive “good luck with that”.
Steiner’s incredulous reaction is emblematic of how some people in the F1 world view such sensationalised rumours.
“I told Gene that I was supposed to be suing him for $900 million,” he told F1 journalist Joe Saward.
“Where do these stories come from? Who makes them up?”
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The source of speculation: Unanswered questions
Interestingly, the origin of these rumours remains a mystery. It raises questions about the origins and motivations of such speculation within the Formula One community. The sport, known for its high-stakes battles on and off the track, often becomes a breeding ground for sensational stories and conjecture.
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Separating fact from fiction
Like many rumours in the world of Formula One, the $900 million legal saga involving Guenther Steiner and Gene Haas appears to be more fiction than fact.
Steiner’s humorous response to the allegations highlights the often absurd nature of rumours within the sport.
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