Representatives of Massa confirmed on Monday that legal action has been initiated in the High Court of Justice against three parties. Massa, who narrowly missed clinching the 2008 F1 drivers’ title to then-McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton by one point, believes that the outcome of the Marina Bay race should be nullified.
The infamous incident saw Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashing to prompt a safety car, aiding teammate Fernando Alonso’s victory. Hamilton secured second place as Massa’s chances were dashed due to a mishap during a pit stop where he set off with the fuel hose still attached.
In a recent interview, Ecclestone suggested that there was enough evidence at the time for an investigation into the matter and the race result to be overturned. However, he later claimed to have no recollection of giving such an interview.
According to a statement from Brazilian law firm Vieira Rezende Advogados, “Mr. Massa is seeking declarations that the FIA breached its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix and that had it acted properly, Mr. Massa would have won the drivers’ championship that year.
“Mr. Massa also seeks damages for the significant financial loss he has suffered due to the FIA’s failure, in which Mr. Ecclestone and FOM were also complicit.”
Massa’s legal team had raised inquiries to the FIA and FOM, but responses were delayed due to the 2023 season summer break when key personnel were unavailable.
“Efforts to reach a mutually agreeable resolution have been fruitless, leaving Mr Massa with no alternative but to commence legal proceedings.”
The FIA faces heightened scrutiny after a whistleblower alleged that governing body president Mohammed Ben Sulayem tried to interfere in the outcome of the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP to reverse a penalty given to Alonso for his team’s premature contact during a pit stop.
It is also claimed that Ben Sulayem sought to delay the homologation of the Las Vegas street circuit in time for last year’s flagship race.
“Recent developments underscore the ongoing relevance of transparency and integrity in Formula 1, necessitating significant efforts to restore its credibility and secure its long-term future,” the statement concluded.
Reportedly, Massa is seeking compensation ranging from £60-150 million.
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