Former F1 driver Felipe Massa able to go to court docket as he claims he was ‘robbed’ of 2008 title

SAO PAULO — Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa says he is able to take Formula One’s governing physique to court docket to press his claims that he was “robbed” of the 2008 title, which he misplaced by one level to Lewis Hamilton.

Massa mentioned in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday that he has given governing physique FIA and Formula One Management till the tip of subsequent week to reply to a letter the Brazilian despatched them this month, through which he claims each had “deliberately ignored the misconduct (at the Singapore Grand Prix) that stripped him of that title.”

The Brazilian added he’s ”100% prepared” to take the case to court docket if he hears nothing again earlier than then.

“I trust and I really believe that for justice that we will show what happened was not correct,” the 42-year-old Massa informed the AP at his house in Sao Paulo. “I am the champion, and I feel that. I feel that I have the title. The 16th champion of Formula One for Ferrari. We proved that season that we deserved it.”

Massa’s declare facilities round an notorious crash by Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. in Singapore in 2008, which led to a drawn-out scandal the next 12 months after claims that he had crashed intentionally with a view to assist teammate Fernando Alonso win the race.

Massa determined to take motion following an interview by former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in March through which he mentioned he discovered in 2008 that the crash had been deliberate – lengthy earlier than Piquet Jr. made these claims himself the next 12 months.

Ecclestone mentioned he intentionally selected to not examine the Singapore crash till after the tip of the season, when it was too late to alter the standings. Massa argues that such a choice was a breach of contract, accusing the 2 our bodies of failing to protect the integrity of the game.

Piquet Jr.’s crash got here at some extent within the race when Massa was within the lead, and it introduced out a security automotive that squandered the Brazilian’s benefit – whereas giving Alonso an enormous edge as he was the one driver who had already made a pit cease to refuel.

Massa went on to complete out of the factors in thirteenth place after a calamitous pit cease, whereas Hamilton completed third in that race.

The British driver gained the primary of his seven titles that 12 months after a dramatic fifth-place end on the Brazilian Grand Prix, which Massa gained.

Renault was given a suspended two-year ban from F1 in 2009 over the crash, and its then crew boss Flavio Briatore was banned indefinitely from the game, though that punishment was later diminished.

The race outcomes have been allowed to face, nevertheless.

“I lost my peace because I knew that I was robbed,” Massa mentioned. “Since then I was never relaxed.”

Surrounded by Ferrari objects and trophies at his dwelling, Massa mentioned his potential lawsuit “is nothing against” Hamilton.

“This is against a race that was manipulated,” Massa mentioned. “(The 2008 season) was an incredible championship. It was a big fight from the beginning to the end. It was a great championship from my side. I was the driver who won more races that year, who started in pole position more times as well.”

Massa mentioned to date the one response he has acquired from Formula One was a request for him to not present up at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the place some Ferrari followers have began putting banners calling him the true 2008 champion.

“We decided not to go,” Massa mentioned. “It doesn’t change anything for our fight.”

Massa mentioned his family and friends tried for a few years to persuade him to sue for the 2008 title, however he solely determined to take motion after he learn Ecclestone’s interview and noticed unpublished footage this 12 months of an interview by former F1 race director Charlie Whiting, who died in 2019.

Massa retired from the game in 2017 after spending the final 4 years of his profession at Williams.