Felipe Massa insists Bernie Ecclestone told him to ‘go to court’ over 2008 championship fiasco

Felipe Massa stated that Bernie Ecclestone encouraged him to pursue legal action regarding the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix controversy.

Felipe Massa insists Bernie Ecclestone told him to ‘go to court’ over 2008 championship fiasco

Felipe Massa and Bernie Ecclestone (images via IMAGO)

The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix controversy continues to spark debate even 16 years later. Felipe Massa was leading the race when Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed, prompting a Safety Car deployment. This allowed Fernando Alonso, who had just pitted, to take the lead and win the race while Massa suffered from a pit stop error that cost him time.

Felipe Massa believes that the race was manipulated, prompting him to take legal action against the FIA, Formula One Management (FOM), and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Although Ecclestone did not directly plan the crash, critics argue that his failure to act on his knowledge of the incident hindered a proper investigation. This lack of action could have changed the race’s outcome.

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Recently, Massa revealed that the 93-year-old told him to pursue legal action if he believes he deserves justice.

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Yes. He said I’m entitled to go to court. I know his style. I know how he is. And I know so many things that happen in Formula 1 that a lot of people may not know. There is so much politics around it.

Felipe Massa told MotorsportTotal.com

Massa believes that the FIA and Ecclestone engaged in a political game regarding his situation. The 43-year-old asserted that he knew how Ecclestone operated and grasped the behind-the-scenes that many fans might not see.

Felipe Massa admits 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton has nothing to do with the championship fiasco

Felipe Massa stated that Lewis Hamilton was not to blame for becoming world champion in 2008. He is focusing his legal challenge on the FIA and the circumstances of the Singapore Grand Prix.

Felippe Massa Lewis Hamilton
Felippe Massa Lewis Hamilton ( IMAGES VIA imago)

Massa said that he respects the seven-time world champion and recognizes his accomplishments in Formula 1. He emphasizes that his legal actions focus on addressing the unfair race results instead of attacking Hamilton’s achievements.

To be honest, the fight is not with Lewis. Lewis has nothing to do with this fight. The fight is what happened in the race, which was not a correct thing for the sport.

Felipe Massa explained

Massa’s lawsuit against the FIA targets the manipulated results of the 2008 Singapore GP. He is seeking recognition as the F1 champion as well as compensation for lost earnings. However, if the case turns out to be in his favor, Hamilton would lose one of his seven titles.