(Sao Paulo) Brazilian driver Felipe Massa is ready to take the governing bodies of Formula 1 to court over his allegations that he was “robbed” of the 2018 world championship title, which he won lost by one point to Lewis Hamilton.
Massa said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday that he has given the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula One Management (FOM) until the end of next week to respond to a letter he sent to them earlier this month.
In it, he claims that the two entities “deliberately ignored the misconduct [at the Singapore Grand Prix] which deprived him of this title”.
He said he’s “100% ready” to take the case to court if he doesn’t get an answer.
“I have confidence and I really believe that for justice we will show that what happened is not right,” Massa, 42, said. I am the champion and I feel it. I feel like I have the title. [I am] the 16th Formula 1 champion for Ferrari. We have proven during this season that we deserve it. »
Massa’s claims relate to the infamous crash of Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr. at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which led to a scandal the following year after claims he intentionally crashed into the wall in order to to favor his teammate Fernando Alonso, who won the race.
Massa decided to take steps after an interview in March with former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. The latter claimed that he learned of the nature of this incident in 2008, long before Piquet fils made public statements about it the following year.
Ecclestone said he opted not to investigate the Singapore accident until the end of the season, when it was too late to change the standings. Massa believes the move is a breach of contract, accusing the FIA and FOM of failing to preserve the integrity of the sport.
Massa was in first position when Piquet junior’s accident occurred. The intervention of the safety car melted the advantage of the Brazilian, while giving a very important advantage to Alonso since he was the only one to be pitted to add fuel.
Massa finally finished in 13th position after a disastrous pit stop and Hamilton took the third step of the podium.
Hamilton ultimately won the first of his seven titles after a theatrical fifth place finish in Brazil in a race that Massa won in front of his fans.
Renault received a suspended two-year suspension in 2009, while its director Flavio Briatore was suspended indefinitely, before his sanction was softened. The race results were not changed.
“I lost my peace of mind because I knew I was robbed,” Massa said. Since then, I have never found her. »
Surrounded by Ferrari objects and trophies in his home, Massa said he “had nothing against” Hamilton.
Massa said the only response he has had so far was a request from F1 not to show up at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where supporters began showing banners mentioning he was the true champion of 2008.
“We decided not to go,” Massa said. It doesn’t change our battle. »
Massa revealed that his friends and family have been trying for several years to convince him to take legal action. He only decided to go ahead after Ecclestone’s interview, but also because of never-released footage of former race director Charlie Whiting, who died in 2019.
Massa retired in 2017 after spending four seasons with Williams, including alongside Quebecer Lance Stroll.
“F1 today is different from F1 then and the FIA is different today than in the past. I really hope they understand that what happened is not fair and that they will settle the matter. »
