Felipe Massa has begun legal proceedings against the FIA and Formula One Management over the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Lawyers representing the Ferrari driver named the two organisations, plus former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, as the subjects of his case.
Massa is seeking confirmation from the FIA that he would have won the 2008 world championship had the governing body investigated a suspicious crash in that year’s Singapore Grand Prix more promptly.
The arrangement behind Nelson Piquet Jnr’s crash on the 14th lap of the race came to light the following year. The Renault driver had agreed to crash his car on purpose in order to cause a Safety Car period which his team mate, Fernando Alonso, would benefit from. The plan worked and Alonso won the race.
Massa’s failure to score in the race, due to a botched pit stop which occured during the subsequent Safety Car period, was a setback for his hopes of winning the championship. At the season finale three round later he lost the title to Lewis Hamilton
The details of the plan came to light during 2009. No changes were made to the race result as the 2008 championship had already concluded.
However following comments made by Ecclestone last year, Massa believes the FIA knew about the plot early enough to take action. He claims the result of the race should have been cancelled, making him champion.
Massa’s representatives stated: “Attempts to find an amicable resolution have been unsuccessful, leaving Mr. Massa with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings.”
Many of the top staff at the FIA have moved on the in 15 years since the race took place. Current president Mohamed Ben Sulayem, who was elected in 2021, is facing questions over alleged interference in a race last year.
The statement added: “Recent events naturally demonstrate that issues of transparency and integrity in Formula 1 remain relevant, and it is clear that serious work is needed to restore its credibility and long-term future.”
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Statement from Massa’s lawyers
On March 11, 2024, Felipe Massa filed a lawsuit in the High Court in London, England against Formula One Management Limited (FOM), Bernard Charles Ecclestone, and the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA).
Mr. Massa is seeking declarations that the FIA breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix,…
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