MASSA’S CRASHGATE CASE HEADS TO COURT

Felipe Massa has won a major legal victory: A London High Court judge has ruled that his £64 million claim against Formula One Management (FOM), the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone can go to trial.

Massa argues that he was robbed of the 2008 world championship when Nelson Piquet Jr crashed deliberately at the Singapore Grand Prix, under orders from Renault team management. Massa argues the crash was orchestrated to benefit Fernando Alonso.

That safety car changed the race, destabilising Massa’s lead and ultimately costing him the title by a single point to Lewis Hamilton.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Jay said that while Massa likely won’t get declaratory relief because he won’t be officially declared 2008 champion, his claim of “unlawful means conspiracy” has “a real prospect of success.”

Massa welcomed the decision, calling it “a tremendous victory” and pledging to unearth every piece of evidence, including internal documents, communications, and emails, to support his case.

But the FIA, FOM, and Ecclestone are defending the case strongly, arguing among other things that it’s time-barred and that Massa himself made mistakes during that 2008 Grand Prix.

Although the court can’t rewrite history and hand Massa the 2008 title, this trial could still reshape his legacy and shed new light on one of F1’s most controversial chapters.

Image credit: Athlon Sports