(Sao Paulo) Former driver Felipe Massa has accused the federation overseeing motor racing of conspiring to prevent him winning the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship in 2008 – despite the Brazilian considering himself the ‘true’ champion .
Massa, who finished second to Lewis Hamilton at the end of the 2008 season, pleaded his case in a letter sent to the FIA in what would be the first stage of a legal battle which will take place in the United Kingdom.
A member of Massa’s management team told The Associated Press that the letter was also sent to Formula One Management (FOM). Massa argues the two organizations failed to act after learning the same year that Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally caused an accident at the Singapore Grand Prix to help his then-teammate Fernando Alonso to win the race.
The crash forced the safety car out with Massa in the lead, ruining his advantage over his rivals. A disastrous Ferrari pit stop soon after cost Massa the win, who settled for 13th.
For his part, Hamilton finished third in Singapore. The British driver, who was then wearing the colors of McLaren, eventually won the first of his seven drivers’ championships thanks to a dramatic fifth position in the Brazilian Grand Prix, won by Massa. The difference in the final standings between the two drivers was just one point.
“In summary, Mr. Massa is the true champion in 2008 and F1 and the FIA have deliberately ignored misconduct which deprived him of the title,” the letter read.
The Massa clan decided to make the move following an interview with former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone in March, in which he said he was aware Piquet’s crash had been intentional. Ecclestone adds that he chose not to launch an investigation until Hamilton was handed the title at a ceremony hosted by the FIA.
Massa also argues that the decision represents a breach of contract, as he accuses the two organizations of failing to preserve the integrity of the sport. The 42-year-old Brazilian did not immediately respond to a request for comment by the AP.
The FIA and FOM have not commented on Massa’s letter.
