One of Formula 1’s most controversial episodes has returned to the spotlight. Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa is suing FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, claiming he lost the 2008 World Championship due to the infamous Crashgate scandal. Massa is demanding around £64 million in compensation.
The case began this week at London’s Royal Courts of Justice. Massa initiated the legal process after Ecclestone revealed in a 2023 interview with F1-Insider that he and then-FIA President Max Mosley were aware of the deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, but chose to remain silent to protect Formula 1’s reputation. Ecclestone later argued that his comments were “misinterpreted,” yet the damage was already done.
The 2008 Singapore race remains notorious. Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed into the wall at Turn 17 to help teammate Fernando Alonso gain a strategic advantage. The move brought out the safety car, dramatically changing the outcome. Renault’s top figures Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds were initially banned for life, though the penalties were later overturned by a French court.
For Massa, the consequences were devastating. Leading early in the race, he lost critical time when his car left the pit with a fuel hose still attached. The incident, combined with the safety car period, cost him vital points — and ultimately, the championship. Lewis Hamilton claimed the title by just one point.
Judge Sir Robert Jay will decide on Friday whether the case will proceed to full trial. Depending on his decision, Massa’s long-standing dream of reclaiming the 2008 title may either be revived — or put to rest forever.