Felipe Massa set to miss Brazilian GP visit amidst tensions with F1 over 2008 title lawsuit

Felipe Massa claimed that he is willing to skip the Brazilian GP in respect to his legal battle with F1.

Felipe Massa set to miss Brazilian GP visit amidst tensions with F1 over 2008 title lawsuit

Felipe Massa (image via IMAGO)

Felipe Massa has been in the news lately. The Brazilian driver challenged the 2008 F1 championship result after former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone admitted having knowledge about the Crashgate scandal that year. The former Ferrari driver has lost his role as an ambassador for the sport since. Now it appears that Massa will skip his home race due to tensions with Formula One Management and the FIA.

The 2008 runner-up was asked to not attend the Italian GP at Monza earlier this year as an F1 ambassador. Moreover, the 42-year-old decided to not go to the iconic Suzuka circuit for the Japanese GP. Now, Felipe Massa has revealed that he has had no contact with FOM since Monza with the Brazilian GP looking unlikely as well.

The only thing I know is that F1 asked me not to go to the Monza race. I was also going to go to the Japan race [as ambassador] and I didn’t go… About Brazil, nothing was discussed, we haven’t had any contact since that moment before Monza until now, so…

Felipe Massa told Motorsport.com

The Brazilian driver made it clear that he will miss his home race if he is unable to go as an ambassador. Massa affirmed that he respects the present legal situation regarding his battle with the sport. The 42-year-old pointed out that he has not received any invitation from F1 to attend the race at Interlagos.

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I believe I won't. I would [only] go to the races as an ambassador... But there was no invitation and no conversation about my work as ambassador, so I don't think I should participate.

Felipe Massa has taken legal action against F1 over the 2008 world championship results. The Brazilian believes that the 2008 Singapore GP should be removed from the championship as F1 and the FIA were aware of the Crashgate scandal.

Nelson Piquet Jr. crashes into the wall at the 2008 Singapore GP, the Crashgate scandal (image via GrandPrix247)
Nelson Piquet Jr. crashes into the wall at the 2008 Singapore GP, the Crashgate scandal (image via GrandPrix247)

Massa lost out on points in the race at Marina Bay after a fuel hose was left attached to his car as he left the pits under the Safety Car. The Safety Car was called out after Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed on purpose to help teammate Fernando Alonso. Subsequently, this loss of points played a role as the Brazilian lost the title to Lewis Hamilton by one point.

However, the 42-year-old has received minimal support 15 years after the incident took place. Many critics have claimed that the Brazilian wants to receive monetary benefits from the sport. Even FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has made similar claims.

Certainly, Felipe Massa has remained adamant on his legal pursuit. The Brazilian driver has continued to stand by his case despite being opposed by many in the paddock. Unfortunately, it seems that the 42-year-old is likely to not be reinstated as an F1 ambassador in the foreseeable future.

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