F1 News: Bernie Ecclestone On Felipe Massa's Lawsuit Against Him - "Right Thing To Do"
Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has voiced his opinion on Felipe Massa's decision to file a lawsuit over the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix incident, stating it was the "complete right thing to do." Ecclestone, facing legal action from Massa, expressed his views to the Press Association, highlighting the importance of an English judge's ruling on the matter.
Key Takeaways:
- Bernie Ecclestone has publicly responded to Felipe Massa's lawsuit concerning the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, endorsing Massa's decision to seek legal recourse.
- Massa's lawsuit, filed against Ecclestone, the FIA, and FOM, disputes the 2008 F1 season's outcome, focusing on the controversial Singapore Grand Prix.
- Massa is seeking a significant financial settlement and demands an acknowledgement of regulatory breaches from the FIA, with claims potentially escalating to £150 million.
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Felipe Massa took the bold step of initiating legal proceedings against some of the sport's most prominent figures, Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA, and Formula One Management (FOM). This legal challenge, lodged at the Superior Court of Justice in London, stems from the contentious 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which Massa alleges had a detrimental impact on the championship's outcome due to a lack of action from the sport's governing bodies.
Massa's lawsuit centres on the failure to annul the results of the 2008 Singapore GP, marred by Nelson Piquet Jr's intentional crash, purportedly orchestrated to benefit his Renault teammate Fernando Alonso. This incident significantly affected Massa, who, starting from pole position, experienced a pit stop mishap and a subsequent penalty, ultimately finishing 13th and losing the championship to Lewis Hamilton by a mere point.
Ecclestone told Press Association, as quoted by PlanetF1:
“If he had asked me. I would have said it was the complete right thing to do, to sue, and to let an English judge decide what is right and wrong.
“I cannot say anything about the outcome and what will happen. From his point of view, it is better that an English judge comes up with a verdict. It will be of more help for him.”
Massa's pursuit of justice is not only about revisiting a controversial chapter in F1's history but also about seeking substantial compensation, with his claims ranging between £64 to £150 million. This legal action reflects Massa's determination to correct what he perceives as a "historic injustice," exacerbated by the governing bodies' inaction over the Singapore incident.
The legal battle also involves a meticulous gathering of evidence, with Massa's team issuing preservation notices to key stakeholders, including teams like Ferrari and Renault, and individuals associated with the 2008 race. This comprehensive approach underscores the seriousness of Massa's quest for justice, supported by figures like Jean Todt, who has expressed sympathy for Massa's cause and reflected on potential alternative actions by Ferrari at the time.