Felipe Massa is preparing to file a lawsuit for the cancellation of the season, claiming that his championship chance in the 2008 Formula 1 season was taken away. The Brazilian pilot claims that FIA and F1 executives covered up the Crashgate scandal. The outcome of this case could also lead to a review of the controversial decision at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
What does Massa want?
Massa missed the championship in the Brazilian Grand Prix, the last race of the 2008 F1 season, when Lewis Hamilton passed Timo Glock on the last lap. Massa believes that this situation occurred as a result of a conspiracy.
Massa's lawyer, Bernardo Viana, said their aim was to reverse the championship result won by Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Viana said, “The goal is to bring the cup home. It's not financial. “We want everything that happened in 2008/2009 to come to light.” said.
According to Massa, FIA and F1 executives covered up the fact that the Renault team deliberately caused Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash in that year's Singapore Grand Prix, allowing Fernando Alonso to win the race. This scandal is known as Crashgate.
Massa argues that with the emergence of this scandal, Hamilton's sixth place score in Singapore should be canceled and thus the championship ranking should be changed.
What does Mercedes say?
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said it was interesting that Massa was trying to sue and that it could set a precedent.
“This is an interesting topic… interesting to follow,” Wolff said.
“Clearly this was not something anyone expected.”
“In Formula 1 the rules are quite clear. There is a legal case behind this. Whatever happens, it will definitely set a precedent.”
“We are also watching from the sidelines with curiosity.” said.
Asked whether this would mean a potential challenge to the outcome of the 2021 season, Wolff said: “The FIA has made a clear statement about the 2021 race. That's why we follow it with interest.” he replied.
With these words, Wolff referred to the FIA's statements. The FIA admitted mistakes were made during the Abu Dhabi GP weekend.
FIA race director Michael Masi defended his decision to allow some cars behind the safety car to move ahead of the leaders on the final lap. Thanks to this decision, Max Verstappen passed Hamilton and won the championship.
Mercedes objected to this decision and submitted an official petition to the FIA. However, the FIA rejected Mercedes' appeal and confirmed Verstappen's championship.
