Former Ferrari Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has been granted the right to continue part of his legal action over the infamous “Crashgate” scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. However, the High Court in London dismissed other elements of his case, including his request for a declaration that he should have been crowned the 2008 Formula 1 World Champion.

Massa Seeks £64 Million in Damages

The Brazilian racer, who retired from Formula 1 in 2017, filed legal proceedings against former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, Formula 1 Limited, and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). Massa alleges that a conspiracy surrounding the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix denied him the drivers’ championship, which was ultimately won by Lewis Hamilton driving for McLaren.

Massa claims that if Formula 1 authorities had investigated the controversial incident promptly, the race results would have been annulled, potentially making him the 2008 World Champion. He is now seeking compensation of around £64 million.

High Court Ruling: Partial Victory

During a hearing last month, the defendants sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that Massa’s own performance contributed to him losing the championship and that the matter was filed too late.

Mr Justice Jay ruled that Massa could pursue damages, stating he had a “real prospect of proving at trial” his claim. The judge also rejected the defendants’ argument that the claim was time-barred, noting that key facts only came to light in 2023 after Ecclestone gave a revealing interview about the 2008 incident.

However, the court rejected Massa’s request for a declaration that he should have been the 2008 champion. The judge explained that granting such a declaration would interfere with the FIA’s authority to govern Formula 1, and could misrepresent the official championship outcome to the public.

Massa Responds

Massa welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a great day for me, for justice, and for everyone who loves Formula 1.” He reaffirmed his belief that the 2008 Singapore incident “stole the World Championship” from him.

The FIA acknowledged that while Massa can continue his claim, it is now proceeding on significantly narrowed grounds.

What Happened in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix?

The 2008 Singapore GP, the first Formula 1 night race, became infamous for what is now called “Crashgate.” Massa was leading from pole position when Nelson Piquet Jr, driving for Renault, deliberately crashed at Turn 17 on lap 14. This action triggered a safety car period, which strategically benefited Fernando Alonso, Piquet’s team-mate at Renault.

During the safety car, Ferrari made errors in Massa’s pit stop, leaving him stranded on the track with the fuel hose still attached and inadvertently hitting a crew member. Massa rejoined in 13th place, well outside the points, while Hamilton’s third-place finish increased his championship lead by seven points. Hamilton eventually won the title by a single point over Massa.

At the time, Piquet described the crash as a “simple mistake”, but he later admitted in 2009 that Renault had instructed him to crash deliberately. The investigation led to bans for Renault team principal Flavio Briatore and chief technical officer Pat Symonds, though Alonso was cleared of wrongdoing.

Today, Briatore serves as an executive adviser to the Alpine F1 team, while Symonds works with the Andretti Cadillac F1 programme.

The Legacy of ‘Crashgate’

The case remains one of Formula 1’s most controversial scandals, highlighting how strategic manipulations can dramatically alter championship outcomes. Massa’s legal pursuit underscores ongoing debates about fair play, governance, and accountability in top-tier motorsport.