Fifteen years after the infamous Crashgate scandal, Felipe Massa is reigniting a highly controversial legal battle, challenging the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship outcome. The former Ferrari driver, who narrowly lost the championship to Lewis Hamilton by just one point, believes the Singapore Grand Prix incident cost him his maiden title.

The Crashgate controversy stems from Renault’s deliberate manipulation of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. During the race, Renault instructed Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash on purpose, bringing out a safety car that ultimately shifted the race dynamics in favor of Fernando Alonso.

Meanwhile, Massa, who had been leading the race, lost valuable points due to a pit stop mishap, while Hamilton capitalized on the situation, finishing third.

The season ended with Hamilton winning the title by a single point after a dramatic last-corner overtake in the final race in Brazil.

Massa’s quest for justice was reignited last year after former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone revealed that both the FIA and Formula 1 knew about the intentional crash back in 2008 but chose not to act. This revelation has fueled Massa’s lawsuit, which he filed in London’s High Court, accusing the FIA of breaching its duty by not investigating the matter sooner.

Massa insists this battle is not about fame or money but about rightfully claiming a championship he feels was taken from him. “I’m not doing this for fame or financial gain. It’s about bringing the trophy home,” Massa said. He stressed that his fight is not against Hamilton personally but about the integrity of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which he believes should be nullified.

The lawsuit has gained momentum, with Massa’s legal team pushing forward after months of preparation. Massa remains firm in his belief that justice was not served, especially considering the FIA’s decision not to void the race despite banning key figures involved, such as Renault team principal Flavio Briatore and engineer Pat Symonds. “We are fighting for what is right, even though it’s been 15 years,” he said.

Massa also acknowledged that, despite not being in contact with Hamilton about the case, the British driver would understandably have a lot to say if his 2008 title were stripped. While Massa insists this is not a personal attack on Hamilton, he recognizes the potential for wider implications. The sport risks reopening other controversial decisions, such as the 2021 championship finale in Abu Dhabi, which saw another contentious outcome involving Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

If Massa succeeds in overturning the 2008 championship result, it could set a dangerous precedent for Formula 1. Reversing decisions years after they’ve been made may not only tarnish the sport’s reputation but also cause long-term damage to its credibility, particularly with the influx of new fans and investors. “If we start changing past results, it will make the sport look silly to new fans,” Massa warned.

As of now, Ferrari has remained relatively silent on the matter, though Massa has expressed hope that the team will back his fight for justice. “I expect Ferrari to be on my side because we lost the championship together,” Massa said. He continues to fight for the title he believes was wrongfully taken from him, but he also acknowledges the significant toll the legal battle is taking on him financially and emotionally.

While the case continues to unfold, the question remains: Can Felipe Massa reclaim his 2008 title, and at what cost to the sport’s future? Should the FIA overturn the results after all these years, it could trigger an avalanche of reactions that extend far beyond the 2008 season, potentially reshaping how Formula 1 handles controversial outcomes in the future.

Whether Massa wins or loses, this lawsuit is set to be one of the most defining and polarizing moments in Formula 1’s modern history.