Felipe Massa Sues Formula 1, FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone Over 2008 Title Loss
Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has launched a legal battle against Formula 1, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), and former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, alleging his 2008 championship loss was unjust.
In a lawsuit filed in London’s High Court, Massa contends that his runner-up position to Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 championship was marred by the infamous “Crashgate” incident at the Singapore Grand Prix. During the race, Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. was allegedly ordered to deliberately crash, aiding the strategy of his teammate Fernando Alonso.
Despite leading at the time of Piquet’s crash, a problematic pit stop during the resulting safety car period pushed Massa down the order, ultimately costing him crucial points. Hamilton’s third-place finish in the race further exacerbated Massa’s plight, as the championship was decided by a mere one-point margin in Hamilton’s favor.
The “Crashgate” scandal only came to light nearly a year later, following Piquet Jr.’s dismissal from Renault. Ecclestone, then at the helm of Formula 1, claimed in a 2023 interview that he and then FIA president Max Mosley were aware of the allegations before the conclusion of the 2008 season. However, Ecclestone, now 92, has since stated he does not recall making such remarks.
Massa and his legal team took action following Ecclestone’s interview, asserting his right to the 2008 championship title and threatening legal repercussions. In an interview with Autoweek during the São Paulo Grand Prix, Massa expressed his determination to seek justice in the sport.
Vieira Rezende Advogados, one of the law firms representing Massa, confirmed the filing of the lawsuit, seeking damages exceeding $80 million, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Massa’s legal challenge underscores the enduring controversy surrounding the 2008 Formula 1 season and raises questions about the integrity of the sport’s governance during that period.
“Mr. Massa is seeking declarations that the FIA breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, and that had it acted properly, Mr. Massa would have won the Drivers’ Championship that year,” stated a spokesperson for Massa’s legal team.
“Additionally, Mr. Massa seeks damages for the substantial financial losses he has incurred due to the FIA’s negligence, in which Mr. Ecclestone and FOM were also implicated.
“As Mr. Ecclestone has conceded, there was ‘enough information in time to investigate the matter’ in 2008 and ‘cancel the race in Singapore.’ Mr. Ecclestone further affirmed that, had the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix been annulled, ‘Felipe Massa would have become world champion,’ and that Mr. Massa ‘was cheated out of the title he deserved.’
“Efforts to reach a mutually acceptable resolution have been fruitless, compelling Mr. Massa to pursue legal action. Recent developments underscore the ongoing importance of transparency and integrity within Formula One. It is evident that substantial efforts are required to rebuild its credibility and ensure its sustainable future.”
