Representing the 42-year-old Brazilian from São Paulo, the Brazilian lawyers from Vieira Rezende Advogados have initiated legal proceedings on behalf of Felipe Massa. On March 11, 2024, Massa filed a lawsuit in the High Court of London against Formula One Management Limited (FOM), Bernard Charles Ecclestone, and the Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA). Massa alleges that the FIA violated its regulations by failing to promptly investigate Nelson Piquet Junior’s accident at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. He claims that if the FIA had acted correctly, he would have won the drivers’ championship that year. Additionally, Massa seeks compensation for the significant financial losses he suffered as a result of the FIA’s failure, with Ecclestone and FOM also being implicated. Despite attempts to reach an amicable resolution, Massa had no choice but to seek legal action.
In response to Massa’s lawsuit, Villeneuve expressed strong disapproval of the Brazilian’s decision. He stated that he found it absurd and questioned the motivations behind Massa’s actions. Villeneuve emphasized that there is no legal basis for Massa’s appeal and considered it madness. However, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of judicial outcomes. Drawing a comparison to Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” incident in the 1986 World Cup, Villeneuve argued against challenging historical events. He concluded that such endeavors are futile and should not be pursued.
Although some may not share Villeneuve’s intensity, there are others who believe it is time to put an end to the controversial saga of the 2008 Singapore Crashgate. One of the main criticisms directed at Massa is the significant delay in seeking “justice.” Why did he not take action immediately after the race, when suspicions arose about Fernando Alonso’s victory? Why not when Max Mosley allegedly learned of the incident through Nelson Piquet Senior in Brazil, later that year? It is understandable that Massa may have considered it too early at that time. However, why did he not take action a year later, when the story came to light and the scandal was exposed, with Nelson Piquet Jr., Flavio Briatore, and Pat Symonds playing prominent roles? That would have been the opportunity for Ferrari to support Massa, but unfortunately that did not happen. Now, Massa has opened a Pandora’s box dating back over 15 years, raising the question of why he chose to follow this path now.
To address this, it is worth considering the events that occurred beyond Sunday, September 28, 2008. That night, there was a peculiar atmosphere in the paddock, suggesting that something suspicious had happened, resulting in Alonso’s unexpected victory, which was considered unlikely.
There are reports that Piquet Senior, during the Brazilian GP weekend in November of the same year, informed the then president of the FIA, Max Mosley, about Renault’s misconduct involving his son. He was advised to provide a legal statement on this matter, which would trigger an investigation.
However, Piquet Senior, to secure his son’s position in Briatore’s Renault team, chose to remain silent. It was only when his son was replaced by Renault’s favorite, Romain Grosjean, to be Alonso’s teammate that the truth came to light. This revelation occurred a year later, with no reaction from Massa, who was driving for Ferrari at the time, at the end of 2009. One may wonder why Massa remained silent. Could the answer lie with Jean Todt?
It is important to note that Todt, whose son Nicolas managed Massa, played a significant role in Massa’s career. Ferrari sponsored Massa’s education at Sauber while Todt was in charge in Maranello, before promoting him to Scuderia alongside Michael Schumacher in 2006.
Ferrari and Massa should have held the FIA accountable when the truth was officially revealed at the end of 2009. However, they chose not to. Did Massa remain silent as much as his close friends, mentor, and manager, the Todts?
These are valid questions that arise when trying to analyze the situation and are worth exploring further.
Todt remained as president of the FIA until 2021, during which no mention was made of this alleged “great injustice” that Massa is now trying to correct. However, it seems that Massa’s claim may have come too late, as the statute of limitations may have expired.
Villeneuve alludes to this in his conclusion about Massa: “There comes a moment when a result is declared. It’s regrettable, but it’s life. You win some, you lose some. You can’t just invalidate a race where all the drivers put their lives at risk, with the rest of the field adapting to the circumstances without knowing what was going on.
“In the end, they ruined their own race. It’s the most absurd thing I’ve heard in a long time. Felipe should be ashamed,” declared Villeneuve.
During that night in Singapore, Ferrari made a mistake during Massa’s pit stop, resulting in him leaving with the fuel hose still connected. He finished outside the points in 13th place. Even if Alonso had been disqualified, Hamilton would still have won the championship by more than one point, as his third place in Marina Bay would have become second.
Hamilton’s perspective on Massa’s campaign is straightforward: “If that’s the path Felipe wants to follow, it’s his decision. I prefer not to dwell on the past. Whether it was 15 years ago, two years ago, or three days ago, I’m only concerned with the present.”
© 2024
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo surprised fans with a new achievement. The Portuguese player, who currently plays for Manchester United, was named the best player in the world for the seventh consecutive time. The award ceremony took place in a glamorous event in Paris, where Ronaldo received the trophy from none other than Pelé.
Ronaldo, who had previously won the award in past years, was emotional upon receiving the recognition once again. In his acceptance speech, he thanked his teammates, his coach, and his fans for their constant support throughout his career.
Aside from being one of the most talented players in the world, Ronaldo is also known for his philanthropic work. The soccer star has a foundation that helps underprivileged children around the world, and he took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of helping those in need.
Ronaldo’s victory in the award for best player in the world is a reflection of his talent and dedication to the sport. At just 29 years old, he has already won numerous titles and broken several records. His passion for football and his determination to always give his best are admirable and inspiring for players of all ages.
Now, Ronaldo’s fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for the player. With his career on the rise, there is no doubt that he will continue to surprise and delight the world of football. Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo for this achievement and may many more come!
