Nearly fifteen years after the infamous 2008 Formula One World Championship finale, the story refuses to die down. Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has once again hit the headlines by issuing a new update on his ongoing legal battle over the title he controversially lost to Lewis Hamilton With his legal team preparing a claim valued at $82 million, Massa insists the pursuit is about justice, not money.
The case centers around the so-called “Crashgate” scandal from the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. During that race, Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed to aid teammate Fernando Alonso, a move that significantly altered the race dynamics. Massa, who had been leading comfortably, was left out of contention after a botched pit stop during the ensuing safety car period. Hamilton, meanwhile, went on to score crucial points. Ultimately, Hamilton claimed the championship by just a single point in Brazil, leaving Massa heartbroken in front of his home fans.
For years, the Brazilian accepted the bitter outcome with dignity. But in 2023, previously unreleased comments from then-F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone reignited the debate. Ecclestone admitted that the FIA and F1 leadership had known of Renault’s manipulation during the 2008 season but chose not to act, allegedly to “protect the sport’s image.” This revelation gave Massa grounds to reopen his case, arguing that the authorities failed in their duty to ensure a fair competition.
This week, Massa issued a fresh update confirming that his legal team is advancing the claim in UK courts. “It is not just about me,” Massa said in a statement. “This is about integrity in sport. Fans, teams, and drivers deserve to know that championships are won and lost on merit, not behind-the-scenes decisions or manipulated outcomes.” He emphasized that the \$82m figure represents compensation for lost earnings, sponsorships, and reputational damage across his career trajectory, not a cash grab.
Hamilton, who has since gone on to become a seven-time world champion, has remained publicly distant from the case. Insiders suggest the Briton views the matter as being between Massa and the sport’s governing bodies rather than a personal attack. Mercedes, Hamilton’s current team, has also refrained from comment.
The lawsuit has split opinion within the paddock. Some, particularly in Brazil, back Massa’s stance wholeheartedly, arguing he was robbed of a world title that could have defined his legacy differently. Others caution that rewriting history so long after the fact could set a dangerous precedent. If courts were to annul results or shift championships retroactively, it might open the floodgates for a cascade of similar claims.
Legal experts suggest Massa faces a steep challenge. Sporting regulations generally prevent retrospective changes to championships once results are ratified. However, if Ecclestone’s testimony is admitted and proven to show intentional concealment, Massa’s lawyers believe they could demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
As the case moves forward, Massa’s update has once again stirred emotions among fans. Fifteen years on, the 2008 title fight still grips Formula One, not only for the on-track drama but also for the off-track intrigue that refuses to fade away.
