Formula 1, Formula One Management (FOM) and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone must pay approximately 290.000 euros in legal costs to former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa. A judge ruled this following the lawsuit filed by the Brazilian regarding the outcome of the 2008 world championship.
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Felipe Massa sees himself – following crashgate – as the rightful 2008 world champion, instead of Lewis Hamilton. The Brazilian therefore went to court to get clarity about the events surrounding that season. It now seems unlikely that Massa will still be officially declared world champion, but compensation remains possible.
Crashgate
The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix is seen as a crucial moment in the title race. During that race, Renault driver Nelson Piquet jr. – on orders from the team – intentionally caused a crash. It led to a safety car, which ultimately resulted in a victory for Fernando Alonso. For Massa, the situation turned out badly. During his pit stop, he drove away while the fuel hose was still attached to his Ferrari, causing the Brazilian to lose the lead. According to Massa, this incident cost him the championship. In the lawsuit, he is claiming approximately 74 million euros in damages.
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Lawsuit
The case was started when Bernie Ecclestone stated in an interview with F1-Insider that he and former FIA president – Max Mosley – were already aware of Crashgate before the end of the season. According to Ecclestone, it was decided at the time not to intervene to prevent damage to Formula 1’s image. He later stated that his words had been mistranslated.
For Massa, this statement was the reason to take legal action. He claims he has been the victim of a conspiracy that cost him tens of millions of euros and a title. The opposing party tried to have the lawsuit declared void, but without success. In November 2025, the judge ruled that the case may proceed. It has now been determined that Formula 1, FOM and Ecclestone must pay 290.000 euros in legal costs already. That amount is only a very small part of the 74 million that Massa actually demanded. Massa’s goal is to conduct a full trial. In a statement, he says he will use all possible legal means to rectify the injustice done to him. The parties involved have yet to present their arguments in the lawsuit.
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