Felipe Massa’s 2008 title hopes hinge on London judge

Felipe Massa’s 2008 Title Hopes Depend on London Judge

Felipe Massa is awaiting a decision from a London judge on whether his legal battle against the FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone will move forward to a full trial.

Background of the Legal Case

This case, initiated earlier in the UK High Court, concerns the 2008 “Crashgate” scandal during the Singapore Grand Prix. The race was manipulated when Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed to benefit his teammate Fernando Alonso, driving for Renault.

Massa's Claims

Massa’s legal team argues that the FIA and FOM were aware of this wrongdoing during the 2008 season but failed to act swiftly. This delay, they claim, cost Massa the world championship, which he lost to Lewis Hamilton by a single point.

Pre-Trial Hearing Highlights

In a three-day pre-trial hearing in late October, Massa’s lawyers alleged that the sport’s governing bodies “conspired to protect the sport’s image” instead of ensuring fairness.

They referred to public statements by Bernie Ecclestone admitting that authorities knew about Renault’s deliberate crash before the season ended but chose not to intervene.

Summary: Felipe Massa awaits a crucial judicial decision on whether his 2008 F1 championship dispute will proceed to trial, alleging that governing bodies neglected fairness to preserve Formula One's reputation.

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IOL IOL — 2025-11-05

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