Frederic Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, has expressed his reservations about revisiting the results of the 2008 Formula 1 world championship, which Felipe Massa lost to Lewis Hamilton. Massa has initiated legal proceedings against Formula 1 authorities, seeking compensation related to the ‘crash-gate’ controversy involving Renault.
The legal action contends that Renault manipulated the Singapore Grand Prix, causing Massa to lose the championship. Vasseur acknowledged the complexity of the matter and the exceptional circumstances surrounding it. He emphasized that altering results years after the event might be inappropriate.
The lawsuit comes after former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone’s interview earlier this year, during which he suggested knowledge of Renault’s deliberate crash at the Singapore Grand Prix. Massa’s lawyers are demanding substantial compensation, asserting that a “conspiracy” denied him the 2008 title.
Massa’s campaign for justice arose after the revelations made by Nelson Piquet Jr., who admitted orchestrating the crash to alter the race outcome. The scandal led to Renault officials Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds facing bans from F1, which have since been lifted.
While Massa’s legal move raises questions about the past, the F1 world is currently focused on investigations into potential breaches of cost caps by certain teams during the previous season. Despite the intrigue and complexities, Vasseur expressed his confidence in the FIA’s ability to conclude these investigations and deliver results.
