Felipe Massa Intensifies Legal Battle for Allegedly Stolen F1 Title
Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa is taking his legal fight against Formula 1 (F1) bosses and the FIA to the next level as he seeks damages for what he claims was a conspiracy to deny him the 2008 championship title.
In an eight-page Letter Before Claim sent by Massa’s representatives on August 15, the Brazilian driver alleges that he was the victim of a conspiracy committed by individuals at the highest level of F1 together with the FIA and Formula One Management. Massa is seeking compensation for tens of millions of euros in lost earnings and bonuses that he believes were a direct result of Nelson Piquet Jr.’s deliberate crash during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Massa lost crucial points in the championship due to Piquet’s crash, ultimately losing the title to Lewis Hamilton from McLaren by a mere one point. The incident involving Piquet prompted the deployment of a safety car, which ultimately helped Fernando Alonso, his Renault teammate, secure victory.
The scandal, known as ‘Crashgate,’ came to light the following year, resulting in Renault receiving a two-year suspended ban from F1. Team boss Flavio Briatore and technical chief Pat Symonds also faced disciplinary action for their involvement in the incident.
At the time, Massa called on the FIA to nullify the results of the Singapore Grand Prix. However, according to the FIA’s International Sporting Code, race classification is deemed final once the FIA Awards ceremony has concluded.
The letter from Massa’s lawyers stated, Simply put, Mr. Massa is the rightful 2008 Driver’s Champion, and F1 and FIA deliberately ignored the misconduct that cheated him out of that title. While the exact amount of damages sought by Massa remains unspecified, it is estimated to exceed tens of millions of euros, not including the moral and reputational losses he claims to have suffered.
Earlier this year, former F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone disclosed that he and former FIA president Max Mosely were aware of the deliberate nature of Piquet’s crash but chose not to take action. Ecclestone, however, now says he does not recall making those remarks attributed to him.
The FIA has acknowledged receiving correspondence from Massa’s legal team and confirmed that the matter is under review. F1 has not yet commented on the issue.
Felipe Massa’s legal pursuit highlights the need for a fair and transparent competitive environment in motorsport. As the case progresses, it remains to be seen whether Massa’s claims will be vindicated, potentially leading to significant implications for the sport’s governing bodies.
