In recent news, Felipe Massa took the first step towards fighting a legal battle for his 2008 title. However, Ecclestone contradicted all the claims made by Massa. Massa took his first steps towards taking legal action against FIA and FOM. He sent a Letter to the British court as a legal procedure before the legal proceedings of the case.
The Brazilian driver is adamant about there being a conspiracy against him that stopped him from winning. The controversial “Crashgate” incident dates back to 2008. The incident involved Renault’s team and its two drivers. This also put the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton in a tough spot with his 2008 title. However, Felipe Massa also claimed that FIA, FOM and along them, Ecclestone was completely aware of the situation.
Massa was one of the victims of the “Crashgate” incident after which he pit. However, even after pitting, he went on to have issues with the team and soon was the last one to finish the race. While he suffered from what could be his potential win to being in the back of the race, he watched Lewis Hamilton take the first-ever championship of his career home.
Felipe Massa was left at a dead end with Bernie Ecclestone’s statement
Massa’s belief that Bernie Ecclestone knew about the “Crashgate” incident and yet not barging in to stop it was however put to rest. Ecclestone himself came out for an interview surrounding the issue. According to his perspective, the Crashgate incident did not involve him in any way and he was not a part of the conspiracy.
Earlier this year, Ecclestone confessed that he and former FIA President Max Mosley were aware of the situation. He was quoted saying that even after being aware, they did not take any steps to stop the events.
⚠️ | Bernie Ecclestone says he does not remember saying that he knew in 2008 that Nelson Piquet’s crash in the Singapore GP was deliberate.
“I don’t remember any of this, to be honest. I don’t remember giving the interview, for sure,” Ecclestone said.#F1 pic.twitter.com/3jnk1IoseM
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) August 18, 2023
However, Ecclestone was recently quoted by Reuters, “I don’t remember any of this, to be honest,” “I don’t remember giving the interview for sure.”
According to Bernie Ecclestone, none of Massa’s lawyers or Massa himself has come to confront him over his statements. While it is believed that the misfortune of “Crashgate” was looked over, Massa feels he has not yet received justice. The Brazilian driver was at the lead of the pack when the crash took place. Felipe Massa has decided to no give up on his 2008 title.
The ex-Ferrari driver continues to fight the legal battle. According to him, the situation was a conspiracy created against him. The conspiracy, in turn, stopped the driver from winning his first trial. However, even with no championship titles, he is considered to be one of the greatest drivers.