The long-running legal dispute surrounding the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship has entered a new chapter. Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management (FOM), and the FIA have been granted permission to challenge a previous ruling that would have allowed Felipe Massa’s lawsuit to proceed to a full trial.
The former Ferrari driver claims that the FIA, FOM, and Bernie Ecclestone—who was leading Formula One Management at the time—acted in a way that prevented him from winning the 2008 world title. That championship was ultimately secured by Lewis Hamilton by a single point following one of the most dramatic seasons in Formula 1 history.
At the centre of the controversy remains the infamous “Crashgate” scandal from the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. During that race, Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately caused an accident under team orders, triggering a sequence of events that dramatically altered the outcome of the Grand Prix.
Felipe Massa had been in contention for victory before the incident, but the resulting circumstances severely damaged his race and, ultimately, his championship hopes.
Felipe Massa seeks substantial compensation
The Brazilian driver launched legal action seeking nearly £64 million in damages, equivalent to approximately $84 million.
In 2025, the High Court in London ruled that his claim for damages based on allegations of conspiracy through unlawful means could proceed. However, the court dismissed several other requests, including Felipe Massa’s attempt to obtain official recognition as the rightful 2008 Formula 1 World Champion.
While that ruling was viewed as a significant step forward for Felipe Massa’s case, the legal battle is far from over.
FIA, FOM and Bernie Ecclestone take the fight to the Supreme Court
The latest development has dramatically changed the landscape of the case.
The Supreme Court has now granted Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA and Formula One Management permission to appeal the previous decision, allowing them to directly challenge whether the lawsuit should continue at all. Rather than proceeding through the Court of Appeal, the defendants have chosen to take the matter directly to the Supreme Court. Their objective is clear: secure the dismissal of the remaining claim before the case reaches a full trial.
The move represents a major escalation in a legal dispute that has continued to attract attention throughout the motorsport world.
Felipe Massa remains determined to continue
Following the High Court ruling issued in November 2025, Felipe Massa made it clear that he had no intention of backing down from the fight: “The truth will come out during the trial. We will leave no stone unturned. I am more determined and confident than ever,” Felipe Massa said.
“Justice will be done: for me, for Brazil, for the fans, and for all motorsport enthusiasts who deserve an honest and transparent sport, but also for the future of Formula 1.”
The former Ferrari driver also expressed gratitude to those supporting him throughout the legal process: “I want to thank my outstanding legal team, my family and God, who has guided me and never allowed me to lose faith. Together we will carry this battle through to the very end.”
The outcome of the Supreme Court proceedings could prove pivotal in determining whether one of Formula 1’s most controversial chapters will finally be examined in full before a court. For now, Felipe Massa’s pursuit of justice over the events surrounding the 2008 season remains very much alive, even as the FIA, Formula One Management and Bernie Ecclestone intensify their efforts to bring the case to an end.
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