The Haas Formula 1 team has retaliated against Gunther Steiner, responding to the legal challenge he initiated earlier this month.

Steiner, who remains a visible figure in the F1 paddock as a television commentator, has taken legal action against Haas in North Carolina—his place of residence and the location of Haas' headquarters—accusing them of unauthorized use of his likeness on their merchandise without proper remuneration.

However, it has come to light that Haas has issued a counterclaim, details of which have been disclosed in full by the legal publication JD Supra.

"The team's sponsor, Haas Automation, has sued Steiner for allegedly infringing the company's trademarks with the sale of his book 'Surviving to Drive'," the report disclosed.

"Haas argues that by infringing its trademarks, consumers are likely to be deceived as to the origin, source, sponsorship, or affiliation of Steiner's book," JD Supra further explained.