Massa Reveals Ferrari Warned Him Over Alonso Crashgate Comments

Felipe Massa has revealed another detail from the 'Crashgate' scandal, this time involving Fernando Alonso and Ferrari. Massa stated that Ferrari reprimanded him for publicly commenting on Alonso's alleged knowledge of Nelson Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Massa's ongoing legal battle to claim the 2008 F1 championship has brought new revelations to light, potentially altering the historical narrative of one of F1's most controversial races. The disclosure of Ferrari's intervention regarding Massa's comments about Alonso adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious 'Crashgate' saga, suggesting an attempt to control the narrative ahead of Alonso's move to the team.

The Details:

• Massa's Claim: During preliminary hearings, Felipe Massa testified that in October 2009, he told journalists he believed Fernando Alonso knew about Nelson Piquet Jr.'s intentional crash during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
• Ferrari's Response: Following these public comments, Massa received a letter dated October 16, 2009, from GSA, a Ferrari lawyer, reprimanding him for making public statements about Fernando Alonso.
• Alonso's Ferrari Move: Massa also disclosed that he was aware of Alonso joining Ferrari for the 2010 F1 season even before his own accident in July 2009. The letter from Ferrari was signed by Henry Peter.
• Refusal to Recant: Massa stated that Ferrari then drafted a public statement for him to issue, retracting his comments, but he refused. Instead, he simply stated that it was “time to look to the future.”
• Legal Proceedings: The preliminary hearings are currently underway to determine if a full trial will proceed. Massa and his legal team are seeking significant compensation for the championship they argue was lost due to the outcome of the 2008 Singapore GP.

The Big Picture:

This new detail underscores the high stakes involved in the 2008 championship battle and the subsequent 'Crashgate' scandal. Ferrari's alleged attempt to silence Massa regarding Alonso's potential involvement or knowledge of the scandal highlights the sensitive political landscape within F1 teams, especially when a high-profile driver like Alonso was set to join. The ongoing legal challenge by Massa continues to stir up past controversies, forcing a re-evaluation of historical events and their impact on championship outcomes.

What's next:

The preliminary hearings will continue to determine if Massa's claim for the 2008 title will proceed to a full trial. This decision will have significant implications not only for Massa but also for the FIA, FOM, and Bernie Ecclestone, who are all involved in the legal proceedings. The outcome could potentially set a precedent for challenging past F1 championship results.