Massa Alleges Ferrari Attempted to Silence Him Over Crashgate Comments

Felipe Massa claims Ferrari tried to prevent him from discussing Fernando Alonso's alleged knowledge of the 2008 'Crashgate' incident before Alonso joined the team in 2010. This revelation comes from a witness statement in Massa's ongoing £64 million lawsuit.

Why it matters:

Massa's lawsuit, targeting the FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), and Bernie Ecclestone, alleges that a deliberate cover-up of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix race-fixing robbed him of the championship. The alleged attempt by Ferrari to silence him adds a layer of complexity and potential collusion to an already highly contentious legal battle, impacting the perceived integrity of both the team and the sport's governing bodies.

The Details:

• The Incident: In 2008, Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his Renault at the Singapore Grand Prix, a move widely believed to have benefited his teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race.
• Massa's Claim: Massa's 2008 title hopes were significantly damaged by a pit stop error following the safety car deployed for Piquet's crash, ultimately finishing 13th. He states he publicly suggested Alonso knew about the deliberate crash.
• Ferrari's Intervention: In October 2009, Massa says Ferrari, through law firm GSA, sent him a letter reprimanding him for making public comments about Fernando Alonso.
• Timing: This letter, signed by Ferrari lawyer Henry Peter, was sent shortly before Alonso's move to Ferrari for the 2010 season, raising questions about the team's motives.
• Refusal to Comply: Massa asserts he refused to sign a pre-drafted statement from Ferrari intended to retract his comments, instead stating he preferred to "look to the future."
• Legal Arguments: Massa's legal team accuses F1 leadership of "deliberate concealment" of the crash to protect the sport's image, calling it "one of the most serious incidents of sport manipulation."
• Defense Arguments: Lawyers for the FIA and FOM contend Massa's claim lacks merit, with the FIA describing the case as "torturous" and "overly ambitious." FOM's counsel argued Lewis Hamilton "outperformed" Massa that season, while Ecclestone's lawyer claimed the crash had no bearing on the final result.

What's next:

The pre-trial stage of the lawsuit concludes this week. A judge will decide whether Massa's £64 million claim will proceed to a full trial or be dismissed. This decision will have significant implications for the historical legitimacy of the 2008 F1 championship and could open a precedent for other historical sporting grievances.