Table of Contents
- Legal Case Overview
- Claim for Championship Recognition
- Details of the Incident
- Damages Claim
- Comments from Bernie Ecclestone
- Current Situation of Felipe Massa
A legal case involving former F1 driver Felipe Massa commences today in London.
The 44-year-old is seeking recognition as the 2008 world champion, 17 years after a controversial incident at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Felipe Massa aims to claim £60 million in damages from the FIA, F1, and Bernie EcclestoneCredit: Getty
This saga unfolded in 2008, the year Lewis Hamilton secured his first F1 titleCredit: AFP
During the race, Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed his Renault to provide a competitive advantage to his teammate, who ultimately won the race.
Massa, who lost the title that year by just one point, contends that he would have been crowned champion had the incident not occurred.
The former driver is now pursuing £60 million in damages from the FIA, the governing body of motorsport, F1, and for an alleged cover-up of the scandal.
Reflecting on the situation, former chief executive Ecclestone stated to The Times last month: “There is no way anyone could change or cancel that race.
“There is always something happening where someone would like to cancel it if they could.
“To attempt to persuade the president of the FIA to hold a special meeting to cancel the race — there were no provisions for that to occur.
“Max [Mosley, former FIA president] understood there was insufficient evidence at the time to take action.
“It only came to light later when young Nelson decided to speak up after learning he wouldn’t be getting a seat for the following year.
“Max was not suggesting we should cover this up but rather that it was not beneficial for the image of Formula 1.”
Massa officially initiated his claim in March of last year.
Although he is not seeking to have Hamilton stripped of his first title, the Brazilian asserts that he lost out on significant financial rewards and recognition after narrowly missing the 2008 championship.
The disappointment of 2008 followed Massa's third-place finish in the F1 drivers’ standings two years earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Felipe Massa's legal case about?
Felipe Massa is seeking recognition as the 2008 world champion and is pursuing £60 million in damages related to a controversial incident during the Singapore Grand Prix.
What incident is at the center of Massa's claim?
The incident involves Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally crashing his car during the race to benefit his teammate, which Massa claims cost him the championship by just one point.
Has Massa sought to strip Hamilton of his title?
No, Massa is not looking to have Lewis Hamilton officially stripped of his title. Instead, he is focused on the recognition and financial compensation he believes he deserves.
