Felipe Massa, a former Ferrari driver, has expressed his determination to be recognized as the 2008 F1 world champion. This comes after it was revealed last week that Massa plans to battle and has initiated legal proceedings against F1 governing body FIA. He is seeking significant damages due to an alleged “conspiracy” that prevented him from winning the title.
In an interview with Brazilian website GE, Massa stated, “We’re going to fight to get the title.” Emphasizing his case is not solely about financial compensation but also about vindication. He wants to ensure it is understood that unfair practices took place.
In 2008, during the Singapore Grand Prix, Massa was leading the race when fellow Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed into the wall on lap 14. This led to a safety car that ultimately benefited Massa’s teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race. However, Massa failed to score any points following a mishap during a pitstop.
Hamilton was racing for McLaren at the time, is now considered an honorary Brazilian citizen. Ultimately secured the championship by out scoring Massa by just one point.
This victory was the first of Hamilton’s record equalling seven championships. A feat shared only by Michael Schumacher.
During that period, Formula One had a regulation in place which stipulated that the outcome of a championship could not be altered after the awards ceremony at the end of the season.
Massa pledges to battle and is taking legal advice after former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone mentioned in an interview he and former FIA president Max Mosley were aware in 2008 that Piquet had deliberately crashed but took no action.
Massa clarified his stance by stating, “I have nothing against Hamilton. This battle is about a race that was rigged.” He expressed his desire to be officially declared the 2008 champion, suggesting the Singapore race should have been cancelled.
“That world title was ours, and it was taken away by manipulation,” Massa asserted.
Ecclestone, stated to Reuters last week that he couldn’t recall making the key statements attributed to him.
Mosley, who had a close working relationship with Ecclestone, passed away in 2021, while Charlie Whiting, a significant figure as the FIA race director, died in 2019.
In 2009, Piquet disclosed that he had been instructed by Renault team bosses to crash deliberately, leading to subsequent bans for those involved.
Massa emphasized the importance of seeking justice within the sport. Saying, “I think it’s important for us to fight to get the justice of the sport.”
It should be noted that Massa did not achieve another victory after the 2008 season due too a head injury during Hungary’s race in 2009.
Hamilton, when asked about the situation, expressed his focus on supporting his Mercedes team in their current championship battle. He stated, “I’m not really focused on what happened 15 years ago.” (Additional reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Ed Osmond)