High Court Greenlights Massa's £64m F1 Lawsuit
A High Court judge has ruled that Felipe Massa's substantial £64 million damages claim against Formula 1, its former chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, and the sport's governing body, the FIA, can proceed to trial. The case, heard in London, centres on the controversial 2008 drivers' world championship, which was won by Lewis Hamilton.
The Core of the 'Crashgate' Allegation
The Brazilian former driver is seeking compensation for the infamous 'Crashgate' incident at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Massa contends that he lost the world title that year because Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed his car to help his Renault teammate, Fernando Alonso, win the race.
Massa launched his legal action in 2024, arguing that Formula 1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone were aware of the deliberate nature of the crash soon after it happened but failed to conduct a timely investigation. He claims that had they acted appropriately and voided the Singapore race result, the championship outcome would have been altered in his favour.
Legal Arguments and Judicial Findings
In a written judgment delivered on Thursday, Mr Justice Jay gave a mixed ruling. He stated that Massa has 'no real prospect of establishing that the FIA’s duties were owed to him' directly. However, the judge found that the case has a 'real prospect of proving... his unlawful means conspiracy' claim.
Mr Justice Jay was clear that the court cannot change history, adding, 'The present claim cannot of course rewrite the outcome of the 2008 drivers’ world championship.' He acknowledged that a victory for Massa would be presented and perceived as a moral vindication.
The defendants have strongly contested the claim. John Mehrzad KC, representing the FIA, labelled Massa's case as 'torturous as it is overly ambitious' and argued it overlooks the driver's own errors during the season. David Quest KC, for Mr Ecclestone, called it a 'misguided attempt to reopen the results' of the championship.
What Happens Next?
With the judge's permission to proceed, the stage is now set for a high-profile trial that will delve into one of Formula 1's most notorious scandals. Massa is being represented by top sports barrister Nick De Marco, instructed by Christopher Boyne of law firm Debevoise and Plimpton.
While the 2008 trophy will not be physically reassigned, the £64 million damages claim represents a high-stakes battle for reputation and financial compensation, ensuring that the controversy of the 2008 season will be scrutinised in a London courtroom years after the chequered flag fell.
