Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 supremo, revealed his perspective on a significant controversy from the 2008 F1 season, known as the ‘Crashgate’ scandal.
Ecclestone disclosed that he had been aware of the details surrounding the incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr was instructed to crash deliberately to aid Fernando Alonso’s race strategy, a move that dramatically affected the championship outcome.
This controversial act ultimately led to Felipe Massa losing the championship to Lewis Hamilton by a mere point, sparking debates over the legitimacy of the championship results.
Ecclestone, sharing insights into the scandal, mentioned that the race should have been invalidated according to the rules, which would have altered the championship’s outcome, favoring Massa.
READ: Spice Girls unite in support of Geri Horner amid husband’s controversy
Despite initially retracting his statements to Reuters, claiming a lack of recollection regarding the interview, Ecclestone’s initial comments stirred Massa to consider legal action against Ecclestone, Formula 1, and the FIA for what he perceives as an injustice in not rightfully being awarded the 2008 World Championship.
Massa, determined to seek justice, has launched a lawsuit in the UK’s High Court, seeking recognition as the 2008 World Champion and a minimum of $82 million in damages.
In his statement, Massa expressed his resolve to fight for what he believes is a correction of historical injustice, emphasizing his commitment to pursuing legal avenues to ensure fairness in sport.
Ecclestone, despite being named in the lawsuit, supports Massa’s decision to sue.
He believes that letting an English judge adjudicate the matter is the appropriate course of action to establish what is right and wrong.
READ: Another driver follows Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes to Ferrari
Ecclestone’s stance underscores the complexity of the situation, highlighting his belief in the legal process to provide a resolution that could offer Massa some form of vindication.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the F1 community watches closely, with the sport’s governing body and Formula 1 itself having yet to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
The case promises to revisit one of Formula 1’s most contentious moments, potentially setting a precedent for how the sport addresses grievances from its participants in the future.