Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has filed a lawsuit at the High Court in London against the FIA, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone, seeking financial damages.
In August 2023, Felipe Massa formally notified the FIA and Formula 1 of his intention to take legal action over their collusion and inaction during the 2008 season following Nelson Piquet Jr.’s accident. Massa calls for the results of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix to be annulled.
With the former driver’s agreement, lawyers have given Formula 1 and the FIA until mid-October to respond to the claims and settle the case out of court. The FIA and FOM requested an extension until November 15. This request was granted by Massa, but no public statements have been made on the subject since.
Brazilian law firm Vieira Rezende Advogados released a statement saying the case was filed in London’s High Court on March 11 because the matter could not be resolved through negotiations.
“Mr Massa wants a finding that the FIA breached its own rules by failing to immediately investigate the crash of Nelson Piquet Jr. at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix and that the federation failed to act appropriately,” he said. the law firm in a statement. “Mr. Massa could have won the championship that year.
Mr Massa is seeking compensation for the significant financial loss he has suffered as a result of the FIA’s inaction, which also involved Mr Ecclestone and FOM.
Attempts to find a peaceful solution were unsuccessful, so Mr Massa had no choice but to initiate legal proceedings.
Recent events have of course shown that issues of transparency and integrity in Formula 1 remain relevant and it is clear that serious work is needed to restore credibility and a long-term future.”
The “recent events” mentioned in the text appear to be related to the actions of FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem, who is under investigation.
Felipe Massa is reportedly seeking damages of between £60 million and £150 million. At the time of publication, FOM declined to comment.
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
