FIA Calls Felipe Massa's 2008 F1 Title Claim 'Torturous' and 'Overly Ambitious'

The FIA has fiercely pushed back against Felipe Massa's legal challenge to be recognized as the 2008 Formula 1 world champion, labeling his claim as both “torturous” and “overly ambitious.” Massa is seeking significant damages and official recognition following the infamous 'Crashgate' scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

This legal battle reopens a controversial chapter in F1 history, directly challenging the integrity of a past championship result. While Massa states he isn't seeking to strip Lewis Hamilton of his title, his pursuit of recognition and substantial financial compensation could set a precedent for future historical grievances and raises critical questions about how F1 addresses past injustices.

The Details:

• The Claim: Massa alleges that the FIA's failure to properly investigate and act on the 'Crashgate' scandal in 2008—where Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed to aid teammate Fernando Alonso—cost him the championship.
• Bernie Ecclestone's Revelation: In 2023, former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone admitted that he and then-FIA president Max Mosley knew about the deliberate crash at the time but chose to keep it quiet to protect the sport's image.
• Massa's Demands: Beyond recognition as the 'rightful' 2008 champion, Massa is seeking approximately £64 million (plus interest) in lost earnings and a formal statement from the FIA admitting it violated its own regulations.
• FIA's Defense: In court documents, the FIA's defense strongly refutes Massa's claims, highlighting:
  • The claim's 'torturous' and 'overly ambitious' nature, given its timing and jurisdiction.
  • Massa's alleged 'catalogue of his own errors or those of his team, Ferrari,' during the Singapore GP and other races that season, which the FIA contends contributed to his second-place finish.
• The Incident: Massa endured a disastrous pit stop during a safety car period, triggered by Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash. This incident is widely seen as a pivotal moment that altered the race's outcome and, potentially, the championship standings.

What's next:

The court proceedings have officially begun in England and Wales. The outcome of this case could have profound implications for F1, potentially forcing a re-evaluation of past results and how the sport handles historical controversies. RacingNews365 is expected to provide ongoing updates as the legal battle unfolds.