Felipe Massa to Receive £250K Legal Costs in 2008 Title Lawsuit
Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management (FOM), and the FIA have been ordered to pay £250,000 in legal fees as part of Felipe Massa’s lawsuit over the 2008 World Championship, reports indicate. The payment comes after Massa’s case was cleared to proceed to trial.
According to Sky Sports, a high court judge has given the trio 14 days to settle the costs. Massa’s legal action targets FOM, the FIA, and former F1 chief executive Ecclestone.
The case stems from the controversial 2008 Singapore GP “Crashgate” incident. During that race, Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed under team orders to benefit his teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win. Massa, who had been leading, suffered a disastrous Safety Car pit-stop and finished outside the points, ultimately losing the championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point.
Ecclestone previously told German publication F1 Insider in 2023 that he and then-FIA president Max Mosley were aware of the crash during the season. However, he has denied recalling the interview, and all parties deny the claims brought against them.
In November 2025, the High Court in London ruled that Massa’s case would continue to trial following a three-day pre-trial hearing.
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Massa Dismissed as Retrospective 2008 Champion, Legal Battle Continues
Felipe Massa’s hopes of being retrospectively crowned 2008 World Champion, nearly two decades later, were dismissed at the pre-trial stage, securing Lewis Hamilton’s status as a record-equalling seven-time champion.
Massa is seeking up to $82 million in damages, and as part of the ongoing case, Bernie Ecclestone, the FIA, and Formula One Management have reportedly been ordered to pay £250,000 in legal costs.
When his case was partially cleared to proceed in November, Massa expressed optimism in a social media statement:
“This is a tremendous victory – a great day for me, for justice and for everyone who loves Formula 1.
The court has seen the strength of my case and refused to let the defendants silence the truth about 2008. They did everything possible to stop this case, but our fight is for fairness and today we have won.
The truth will prevail at trial. We will leave no stone unturned. I am more determined and confident than ever.
Justice will be done. For me, for the Brazilians, for the tifosi, for all motorsport fans, who deserve an honest sport, and for the future of Formula 1.
I want to thank my outstanding legal team, my family and to God, who guided us and never let me lose my faith.
Together we will see this through to the end.”
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