Wolff fears domino effect on F1 if Massa's wins legal fight over 'Crashgate'
Felipe Massa's legal challenge to the 2008 Formula 1 championship has raised significant questions about the sport's governance and the integrity of its results. The case, which is still ongoing, could have far-reaching implications for F1 if Massa is successful.
Felipe Massa has begun legal proceedings against the FIA and FOM regarding the handling of the 'Crashgate' scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which ultimately cost him the drivers' world championship that year.
The Brazilian believes there was a conspiracy to delay the investigation into the crash orchestrated by Renault until after the season finale, at which point Lewis Hamilton had already clinched the title.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has voiced skepticism about Massa's chances of success. "I don't think he has a case, to be honest.
"We are signing up to sporting regulations that are very clear, and you commit as a licence holder," commented Wolff.
"If everybody were to open up situations then the sport would be in disarray."
However, Massa remains undeterred, stating that the scepticism proves he is on the right path to seeking justice.
The crashgate controversy
During the 2008 Singapore GP, Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashed on lap 14 per instructions from senior team management, bringing out the safety car.
This strategy call ultimately helped teammate Fernando Alonso capitalize and win the race. At the time, Renault escaped penalty as the conspiracy remained hidden.
It was not until Piquet's dismissal from Renault in 2009 that he disclosed the plot to the FIA.
Following an investigation, Renault received a disqualification from the 2009 championship and bans for key personnel.
However, this was long after the 2008 title fight had concluded in Hamilton's favor.
Massa's argument
Massa believes the FIA knew about the conspiracy before the 2008 finale but delayed fully investigating until the next season, robbing him of a fair chance at the championship.
Massa finished the Brazil race just one point behind Hamilton in the standings. The Crashgate affair potentially influenced the outcome of the Singapore GP, where Massa could have gained vital points on Hamilton.
His legal team has questioned the FIA and FOM about the 2008 events and is deciding next steps.
Their aim is to overturn the 2008 championship result by proving the FIA improperly protected Hamilton's title instead of investigating promptly and applying penalties during the season itself.
FIA and FOM response
The FIA and FOM are yet to provide substantive responses to Massa's team. Toto Wolff believes overturning 2008 would create "disarray" from potential future appeals.
Massa hopes the current FIA and FOM leadership will cooperate to "repair past mistakes."
He stresses this battle is about seeking justice and achieving his childhood dream of the F1 title.
The case continues to develop as Massa's lawyers push for full disclosure of how the Crashgate probe was handled in 2008.
If successful, it could entail Hamilton being stripped of the drivers' championship in retrospect.
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