LONDON (AP) — Felipe Massa, the former Formula One driver, is seeking justice over the infamous “Crashgate” scandal that cost him the 2008 drivers’ championship. In a groundbreaking move, Massa has filed a lawsuit in the U.K. seeking more than $80 million in damages against Formula One Management (FOM), former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
According to Massa’s lawyer, Bernardo Viana, the lawsuit is not just about money. It aims to expose the FIA’s breach of its own regulations and assert Massa as the rightful champion of the 2008 season. Both FOM and FIA have declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
This lawsuit marks an unprecedented attempt to overturn a world championship, setting a significant precedent in the world of Formula One. Viana believes it is time to challenge the existing power dynamics within the sport and provide justice for the drivers who risk their lives for the sport.
The “Crashgate” scandal, which occurred during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, remains one of the biggest controversies in Formula One history. Nelson Piquet Jr., a Renault driver, intentionally crashed on team orders, helping his teammate Fernando Alonso win the race and depriving Massa of valuable points. The championship was eventually won by Lewis Hamilton by a single point.
The scandal resurfaced in March 2023 when Bernie Ecclestone, the former FOM CEO, was quoted as saying he had enough information in 2008 to investigate the crash. Massa’s legal team sent a Letter Before Claim to FOM and FIA, stating the factual background and demanding a substantive reply. However, both organizations have refused to address the issue directly.
The crux of the case lies in proving that the defendants were aware of the deliberate crash before the FIA Prize-Giving Gala Ceremony in 2008. If this can be established, the results could potentially have been altered, crowning Massa as the champion. The World Motor Sport Council later confirmed the crash was deliberate and punishments were handed out to the individuals involved.
Massa’s legal team argues that FIA breached its own regulations by failing to promptly investigate the crash and failing to make public its knowledge of the intentional crash. They also claim a conspiracy between Ecclestone and former FIA president Max Mosley to harm Massa.
While Massa is not explicitly asking for the results to be overturned, he is seeking damages and a declaration that FIA acted in breach of its regulations. The losses incurred by Massa amount to over $80 million, including potential earnings, bonuses, and sponsorship opportunities.
The next steps in the case involve the submission of early defenses by the defendants and further discovery. Massa had initially tried to resolve the matter outside of the court but was met with resistance from FIA and FOM. Viana believes that the incident and its aftermath highlight the need for a better decision-making and governance framework in the sport.
As the legal battle unfolds, Massa’s lawsuit has captured attention in the Formula One community. It remains to be seen whether this landmark case will pave the way for greater transparency and fairness in the sport.