Felipe Massa Claims Ferrari Attempted to Silence Him Over Fernando Alonso and Crashgate

Felipe Massa has made a stunning claim in his 'Crashgate' legal battle, alleging that Ferrari sent him a letter in 2009, attempting to "reprimand" him from publicly discussing Fernando Alonso. This explosive revelation suggests a concerted effort to manage perceptions ahead of Alonso's move to the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

This accusation, made in Massa's witness statement supporting his trial against F1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, adds a new layer of intrigue to the 'Crashgate' scandal and Ferrari's internal dynamics. If true, it paints a picture of a team willing to control its drivers' public statements to protect its interests, potentially impacting the historical narrative of one of F1's most controversial incidents.

The Details:

• The controversy stems from the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where Fernando Alonso inherited victory after Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his Renault.
• A year later, Massa publicly stated his conviction that Alonso knew about the pre-meditated crash.
• According to Massa, this led to a letter from Ferrari, dated October 16, 2009, which sought to ban him from making further public comments about Alonso.
• The letter was reportedly sent before Alonso officially joined Ferrari in 2010, a move Massa claims to have known about prior to his life-threatening crash in Hungary in July 2009.
• Refusal to Comply: Massa revealed he refused to sign the letter, which was reportedly signed by Ferrari lawyer Henry Peter. He also rejected a prepared statement Ferrari drafted for him, opting instead to declare, "it was time to look to the future."

Between the lines:

This claim, if substantiated, suggests Ferrari's significant investment in bringing Alonso to Maranello and a desire to ensure a harmonious, or at least controlled, public image. It highlights the intricate political maneuvering behind the scenes in Formula 1 and raises questions about how much teams are willing to intervene in their drivers' personal opinions, especially concerning sensitive historical events. The timing of the letter, ahead of Alonso's arrival, is particularly telling.

What's next:

Massa's legal challenge is ongoing, and this claim is a key piece of evidence in his efforts to have the results of the 2008 season overturned. The outcome of his trial could have far-reaching implications for the sport, potentially rewriting the record books and setting new precedents for how historical controversies are addressed.