The FIA has strongly criticized Felipe Massa during a hearing in London. The former driver took the organization to court over the handling of the infamous 2008 crashgate scandal. According to Massa, this unjustly cost him the world title to Lewis Hamilton. The FIA defends itself by stating that Massa’s demands are ‘excessively ambitious’ and that the Brazilian is ignoring his own mistakes.
Felipe Massa began his lawsuit against Formula 1, the FIA, and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone this week. The latter admitted in 2023 that the Formula 1 top brass was already aware of the true circumstances of crashgate in 2008, but initially wanted to cover it up. Massa argues that the incident – in which Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his Renault into the wall in Singapore – ultimately cost him the championship. Without wanting to take away Lewis Hamilton’s title, Massa demands that he be recognized as the rightful champion, as well as compensation of over 80 million dollars.
‘Excessively Ambitious’
The FIA labeled Massa’s claim this week as ‘vexatious’ and ‘excessively ambitious’. In a statement presented during the hearing, the organization strongly criticized the Brazilian. “Mr. Massa’s assertion is as vexatious as it is excessively ambitious,” said the FIA’s defense. “A multimillionaire and resident of Brazil is filing a claim in the jurisdiction of England and Wales. This is based on an alleged violation of the FIA’s supranational regulations, a private international sports organization based in France. The claim relates to events during and around the Singapore GP, now more than seventeen years ago.”
“Mr. Massa’s claim also ignores a series of mistakes that he himself or his team, Ferrari, made during the Singapore GP and other races,” the statement concluded. “These also contributed to his second place in the world championship.” The case is still being investigated by the High Court in London. The hearings began on Tuesday and will last until October 31. Judges must determine whether the case can proceed to a full trial.
