Felipe Massa narrowly missed out on winning the 2008 World Drivers’ Championship to Lewis Hamilton by just one point. If the results of the Singapore Grand Prix had been excluded due to the Crashgate scandal, the outcome could have been different.
The 2008 World Championship was won by Lewis Hamilton in a season filled with controversy. Felipe Massa, who finished just one point behind, was the driver who came up short. The ‘Crashgate’ Scandal, involving Nelson Piquet Jr. and Fernando Alonso, played a significant role in Massa’s loss. Despite raising his concerns with the FIA and FOM, Massa received no response until the summer break of the 2023 season.
Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula 1, was deeply involved in the controversies of 2008. Ecclestone recently claimed that the governing body was aware of the available information at the time. An investigation could have been conducted, potentially leading to the overturning of the results. However, both F1 and the FIA remained silent on the matter. This prompted Felipe Massa to take action against the 2008 championship result and publicly criticize Ecclestone for his actions.
In response, Massa filed a case against the FIA, FOM, and Bernie Ecclestone in the London High Court. Represented by a Brazilian Law Firm, he accused the governing body of disregarding the crash in 2008 and sought a declaration from the FIA acknowledging the breach of regulations. The case also highlights Massa’s claim that he would have won the 2008 World Championship if the results of the Singapore Grand Prix had been overturned. Additionally, he is seeking financial compensation for the significant loss caused by the false results. The details of the case will be revealed to the public as the legal proceedings progress. The world of Formula 1 is currently filled with daily shocking news.
Despite previous statements indicating that his fight was not solely for monetary gain, Massa is seeking compensation in the range of £60-150 million (approximately $164 million). He also aims to be officially recognized as the world champion of the 2008 season, which would reduce Lewis Hamilton’s championship count to six. The outcome of this case is crucial for the sport, as it revives a 16-year-old controversy. With Formula 1’s public image potentially at stake due to multiple recent controversies, a settlement with Massa may be sought to protect the sport’s reputation.