Felipe Massa has scored an early – and significant – win in his high-profile legal battle against Formula 1, the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone, after London’s High Court ruled on Thursday that his damages claim can move ahead.
It’s the first green light in a case that strikes at one of F1’s most infamous chapters: the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix “Crashgate” scandal.
Massa argues that Renault’s deliberate crash, executed by Nelson Piquet Jr. to boost teammate Fernando Alonso, fatally compromised his title bid at a pivotal moment. He would ultimately lose that year’s championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point – a margin many in Brazil still recite with a wince.
The conspiracy remained hidden until 2009, by which time the FIA had no mechanism to rewrite the standings. Massa is now seeking £64 million in damages for lost earnings, sponsorship and career opportunities, claiming F1’s commercial rights holder, the governing body, and Ecclestone knowingly buried the truth.
Judge Opens the Door
Justice Robert Jay dismissed attempts by the defendants to throw out the case, ruling that Massa has a “real prospect of success” on his claims of inducement of breach and conspiracy.
The judge agreed that Ecclestone’s 2023 interview – in which the former F1 chief appeared to admit he and then-FIA president Max Mosley kept the scandal quiet – introduced crucial new information that Massa could not have used earlier.
Not every element went the Brazilian’s way: some claims were deemed time-barred or governed by French law, and the court reinforced that while damages may be awarded, it has no power to alter the result of the 2008 F1 world championship, which crowned McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton at the time.
Still, the central thrust of Massa’s argument remains alive, and the ruling reportedly enables his legal team to seek emails, messages and internal documents from the sport’s power brokers.
Massa Triumphant – and Fired Up
Unsurprisingly, the former Ferrari star greeted the ruling as a vindication of his long fight.
“This is an extraordinary victory – an important day for me, for justice, and for everyone passionate about Formula 1,” Massa said.
“The Court acknowledged the strength of our case and did not allow the defendants to smother the truth about 2008. The deliberate crash cost me a world title, and the authorities at the time chose to cover up the facts instead of defending the integrity of the sport.
“They did everything they could to stop the lawsuit, but our fight is for justice, and today we took a decisive step. The truth will prevail at trial. We will investigate everything thoroughly. Every document, every communication, every piece of evidence revealing the conspiracy among the defendants will be presented.
“I am more determined and confident than ever! When the whole truth comes to light, justice will be served – for me, for Brazilians, for the tifosi, for all motorsport fans who deserve an honest sport, and for the very future of F1.”
The legal battle now moves toward a full trial, where the stakes – reputational and financial – are as high as any title decider.
Read also:
‘Deliberate Concealment’: Massa’s lawyers unleash fury at F1
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