Felipe Massa's £64 Million 'Crashgate' Lawsuit Against F1, FIA, and Ecclestone Allowed to Proceed
Felipe Massa's high-profile legal challenge against Formula 1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone over the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal has been given the green light to proceed to trial by a High Court judge. While his claim for breach of contract against the FIA failed, key allegations of conspiracy against Ecclestone remain, as the court found Massa lacked essential facts to bring claims until Ecclestone's 2023 interview. Massa is seeking £64 million in damages and recognition as the 'rightful' 2008 champion, though the judge warned that the court cannot rewrite the outcome of the championship.
Felipe Massa's high-stakes legal battle against Formula 1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone can continue, a High Court judge has ruled. While the Brazilian's path to success is not guaranteed, the court has rejected arguments that his case is time-barred and has allowed key claims of conspiracy to move forward.
Why it matters:
Felipe Massa's pursuit of £64 million in damages and recognition as the 'rightful' 2008 F1 World Champion could redefine accountability in motorsport history. If successful, this case would not only compensate Massa for lost earnings but also set a precedent for how historical controversies, especially those involving alleged cover-ups, are addressed in Formula 1.
The Details:
- The Claim: Massa is seeking £64 million in damages, alleging a breach of contract and duty by the FIA for not properly investigating 'Crashgate' at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix at the time. He also seeks a declaration that he is the 'rightful champion' and a statement that the FIA failed to investigate properly.
- Central Allegation: The core of Massa's case rests on a 2023 interview by Bernie Ecclestone, where he claimed he and then-FIA president Max Mosley were aware of Nelson Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash during the 2008 season but chose not to investigate to avoid a