Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa has doubled down on his pursuit of the 2008 F1 World Championship title, ramping up legal action against the FIA for their inaction following the controversial 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

The Brazilian driver, who finished runner-up to Lewis Hamilton that season, is now suing the sport’s governing body, arguing that the race results were tainted by Renault’s manipulation and that his rightful claim to the title was unjustly denied.

The controversy stems from the infamous 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where Renault orchestrated a crash involving Nelson Piquet Jr., designed to give an advantage to their lead driver, Fernando Alonso. While Alonso won the race, Massa, who had been leading the championship battle, failed to score points due to a disastrous pit stop.

Meanwhile, Hamilton, then driving for McLaren, finished third, narrowing the gap to Massa in the title race. The season ultimately culminated in dramatic fashion at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Hamilton clinched the title by a single point on the final lap.

Recent revelations from former Renault team principal Flavio Briatore have reignited the controversy. Briatore disclosed that the FIA and Formula 1 were aware of Renault’s tactics during the 2008 race but chose to remain silent, fearing backlash so soon after the 2007 “Spygate” scandal involving McLaren. Massa’s legal team contends that had the FIA acted appropriately at the time, Massa would have likely been crowned champion.

Massa, who has described the emotional toll of losing the championship as “devastating,” has enlisted the Brazilian law firm Vieira Rezende Advogados to pursue legal action in London’s High Court. His lawyers are seeking declarations that the FIA failed to launch a timely investigation into the events of the Singapore race, and they argue that Massa’s loss was a direct result of the governing body’s negligence.

In a statement to the press, Massa made clear that his fight is not about financial compensation but about rectifying an “injustice” that has haunted him for 15 years. “This is about reclaiming the championship trophy,” Massa said. “We are fighting for justice because it has been unfair. The FIA knew what happened, and they did nothing.”

Massa’s case has captured widespread attention, raising questions about the integrity of Formula 1’s governance and the potential for rewriting the sport’s history. If successful, the legal challenge could result in the annulment of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix result, which would strip Hamilton of the points he gained that day. This, in turn, could retroactively award the 2008 championship to Massa.

While the implications for the sport are significant, Massa has insisted that his battle is not against Hamilton personally. “I have no issue with Lewis,” Massa explained. “This is not about him. It’s about what happened in Singapore, and the wrongdoing that damaged the sport.”

However, the case could open up a Pandora’s box of issues for Formula 1, with other teams and drivers potentially seeking to revisit past decisions. Mercedes, in particular, has previously voiced frustration with the FIA over the controversial end to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi, where Hamilton lost out on the title to Max Verstappen following contentious decisions by race director Michael Masi. While Mercedes initially considered legal action, they opted not to pursue it at the time, focusing instead on future regulations. Still, Massa’s case could set a precedent for revisiting such claims.

The legal proceedings are now in their fifth month, and while the case has gained momentum, the potential fallout for the sport is significant. Formula 1 is currently dealing with other controversies, including recent investigations into penalties imposed on reigning champion Max Verstappen, as well as scrutiny surrounding Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s involvement in regulatory discussions.

Massa, who remains deeply connected to Ferrari, has expressed hope that his former team will support him in his quest for justice. However, Ferrari has thus far stayed neutral, preferring to allow the legal process to play out without their direct involvement.

With Formula 1’s reputation and the 2008 championship at stake, all eyes are now on the FIA and the High Court as the case heads into uncharted territory. For Massa, it’s about righting a wrong that has lingered for far too long. “We are fighting for what is right,” Massa said. “And after all these years, the truth must come out.”

What’s Next for Formula 1?

The outcome of Massa’s legal battle could have far-reaching implications, not just for the 2008 championship but for how Formula 1 deals with controversial events from its past. If the FIA is found to have failed in its duties, it could lead to renewed scrutiny of other incidents, potentially altering the sport’s history books.

As the legal proceedings continue, fans and experts alike are left wondering whether this will lead to further disputes over past championships, including the controversial 2021 season finale. Could Hamilton find himself on the losing end of another legal challenge, or will Massa’s case lead to new standards of accountability in the sport?

Formula 1 faces an uncertain future as it grapples with the ramifications of Massa’s pursuit of justice.