Former Ferrari Driver Felipe Massa Alleges Conspiracy Denying Him 2008 F1 Championship
Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has taken legal action against Formula One bosses and the governing FIA, seeking substantial damages following an alleged conspiracy that denied him the 2008 championship. The action was initiated by Massa’s lawyers, who sent a formal Letter Before Claim to Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
According to the letter, Massa, now 42, was the victim of a conspiracy committed by individuals at the highest level of F1 together with the FIA and Formula One Management. The alleged conspiracy revolves around a deliberate crash that occurred during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, resulting in Massa losing crucial points in his bid for the championship.
The crash, orchestrated by then-Renault driver Nelson Piquet, allowed Massa’s teammate Fernando Alonso to secure victory in the race. Ultimately, Massa fell short of the championship by a single point, losing out to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.
The letter claims that Massa suffered significant financial losses, estimating them to exceed tens of millions of euros. It also highlights the moral and reputational damage caused by the alleged misconduct. Massa’s legal team further contends that Formula One and the FIA deliberately ignored the conspiracy, effectively cheating him out of the title he rightfully deserved.
Massa’s decision to seek legal advice came after former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone’s statement earlier this year. Ecclestone admitted that he and former FIA president Max Mosley were aware of the deliberate crash in 2008 but took no action. The revelation led Massa to pursue legal action against those implicated in the conspiracy.
The FIA confirmed the receipt of Massa’s representatives’ correspondence and stated that the matter is currently under review. Formula One, which is currently on an August shutdown, has yet to respond. It is worth noting that Stefano Domenicali, the current CEO of Formula One, was previously Massa’s team boss at Ferrari.
Ecclestone, 92, expressed his inability to recall making the statements attributed to him during the interview in question. He also mentioned that neither Massa nor his lawyers had approached him to clarify the matter.
The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix crash is now infamous in Formula One history. Nelson Piquet revealed in 2009 that the Renault team had instructed him to crash deliberately. As a result, Renault team bosses were subsequently banned.
Felipe Massa, who sustained a severe head injury at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, did not win another race following the 2008 season. He retired from Formula One in 2017.
With the recent legal action, Massa seeks justice and compensation for the harm he claims to have suffered. His legal team has given a deadline for a response, after which they intend to pursue legal proceedings in the English courts.
The unfolding legal battle raises questions about the integrity of Formula One and the actions of key figures within the sport. Speculation regarding the outcome and possible consequences of the case continues as Massa aims to be recognized as the rightful 2008 Driver’s Champion.
