Massa’s High Court date looms in 2008 Singapore GP fallout
Felipe Massa is seeking up to $82 million (£60 million) in damages in his lawsuit against Formula One Management, the FIA and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, with an initial High Court appearance set for October 28 in London.
The core of the claim: Singapore 2008
The case centres on the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where Renault instructed Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash, triggering a safety car that upended the race. Massa had been leading but suffered a disastrous pit stop under the caution, ultimately finishing 13th. He would go on to lose the world title to Lewis Hamilton by a single point.
Ecclestone’s 2023 remarks and subsequent denials
Massa’s legal action follows comments made in 2023 to German outlet F1 Insider, in which Ecclestone said he and then-FIA president Max Mosley were aware in 2008 of Renault’s actions but opted not to act to avoid a "huge scandal." Ecclestone, the FIA and Formula One Management have denied the claims.
Representation and the road ahead
According to The Times, Massa will be represented by Nick de Marco KC. The Brazilian stresses that the case is about accountability and the integrity of the sport: "Accountability is key to preventing future fraud... Those entrusted with protecting the sport directly violated their duties, and they cannot be allowed to benefit from concealing their own misconduct... We will pursue this to the very end in order to achieve a just and fair outcome — for myself, for motorsport in Brazil, and for the sport as a whole."
- Damages sought: Up to $82 million (£60 million)
- Defendants: FIA, Formula One Management, Bernie Ecclestone
- Key event: 2008 Singapore GP ("Crashgate")
- First court date: October 28, High Court, London
The hearing will determine the trajectory of a case that reopens one of F1’s most controversial chapters and could set a significant precedent for how historic sporting injustices are addressed.
