FORMULA ONE
Why is Felipe Massa suing F1? And how much will he get if he wins?
The former Ferrari driver, has taken legal action against Formula One, its governing body the FIA, and the sport’s former supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
The lawsuit, filed in London’s High Court, revolves around the dramatic events of the 2008 Formula One World Championship. Massa contends that he is the rightful winner of the title, which he lost to Lewis Hamilton by a mere single point following the infamous “Crashgate” scandal at that year’s Singapore Grand Prix. He is seeking a minimum of $82 million in damages.
In 2008, Felipe Massa was leading the championship when Nelson Piquet Jr., driving for Renault, deliberately crashed during the Singapore Grand Prix, according to Bernie Ecclestone himself. The former big man at F1 said that he learned of Piquet’s intentions in an interview he gave F1 Insider magazine last year. The orchestrated crash allowed Fernando Alonso, Massa’s rival, to win the race. Massa ultimately lost the championship to Lewis Hamilton in the final round at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
What legal claims does Felipe have against Formula One?
Regulation Breach: The FIA allegedly breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Piquet’s crash. Had the incident been properly examined, Massa’s lawyers contend that he would have secured the championship.
Seeking Declarations: Massa seeks declarations affirming that he would have won the drivers’ championship in 2008 if the crash had been thoroughly investigated.
Financial Compensation: In addition to recognition of his rightful claim, Massa aims to recover significant financial losses resulting from the FIA’s failure. Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management (FOM) are also implicated in the lawsuit.
Bernie Ecclestone, a central figure in Formula One for decades, supports Massa’s decision to sue. He believes that an English judge should determine what is right and wrong in this matter. The legal battle will unfold in London, where Massa seeks recognition of his rightful claim to the 2008 championship.