Felipe Massa has accomplished a noteworthy triumph as he pursues compensation for the outcomes of the 2008 Formula 1 global championship, centering around Renault’s orchestrated race manipulation during the Singapore Grand Prix.
Massa has been building a strong argument suggesting that Nelson Piquet Jr’s deliberate accident, which handed victory to his teammate Fernando Alonso through the introduction of an opportune safety car deployment, significantly altered the trajectory of the championship battle. The incident caused Ferrari’s championship contender to fall back in the standings following a subsequent pitstop, ultimately costing him the championship title to Lewis Hamilton by a mere single point.
The elaborate scheme remained concealed until 2009, leading to the official confirmation of the previous season’s standings.
Nevertheless, Massa has initiated legal action against Formula One Management, along with its former director Bernie Ecclestone, and the FIA, seeking damages amounting to £64 million ($84 million) to cover losses in earnings and sponsorships. The Brazilian contends that they intentionally and collectively concealed the act of race manipulation.
Both sides presented their cases in October before the High Court in London, and on Thursday, Justice Robert Jay dismissed the defendants’ attempt to have Massa’s lawsuit thrown out.
The defendants asserted that any potential breach of contract was immaterial to Massa, who had argued that the FIA had a responsibility to investigate possible wrongdoing. Justice Jay sided with the defendants, explaining that this responsibility was owed to FIA members, not directly to Massa.
The defendants argued that Massa’s losses were a consequence of his own inaction, given his failure to pursue legal remedies following the FIA’s investigation in September 2009. Justice Jay rejected this argument, citing Ecclestone’s 2023 interview, in which he admitted that he and then-FIA president Max Mosley had kept the conspiracy under wraps, thus bringing crucial facts to Massa’s attention. However, numerous claims made by Massa are barred by statutes of limitations and/or are governed by French law.
The case will now proceed to a full trial, with Justice Jay suggesting that Massa has a ‘genuine prospect of success’ on the grounds of inducement of breach and conspiracy claims, ‘because these claims do not require Mr Massa to possess a directly enforceable contractual right’.
Felipe Massa and his brother Eduardo
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
The judge also noted, however, that obtaining sufficient evidence to succeed at trial would present a significant hurdle for Massa. Autosport understands that Massa’s legal representatives might now request additional documentation to bolster their client’s assertions, potentially including emails and text messages from the defendants.
The judge also clarified that, while the court has the power to award damages to Massa, it cannot alter the results of the 2008 season.
“This represents a remarkable victory – a significant day for me, for justice, and for everyone who is passionate about Formula 1,” Massa commented.
“The Court has acknowledged the strength of our legal position and prevented the defendants from suppressing the truth surrounding the events of 2008. The deliberate crash cost me a world championship, and the officials in charge at the time opted to conceal the facts rather than uphold the integrity of the sport.
“They have done everything within their power to obstruct the lawsuit, but our purpose is to achieve justice, and today we have taken a crucial step forward. The complete truth will emerge during the trial. We will thoroughly investigate all aspects. Every document, every communication, every piece of evidence that exposes the conspiracy among the defendants will be presented.
“I am more determined and confident than ever before! When the full truth is revealed, justice will be served – for me, for Brazilians, for the tifosi, for all motorsport enthusiasts who deserve a fair sport, and for the future of F1 itself.”
Additional reporting by Erick Gabriel
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