Felipe Massa, former Ferrari driver, obtained an important victory in the courts. The Court of England ordered that the Formula One Management (FOM), Bernie Ecclestone and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) pay a million-dollar sum to the Brazilian.
In November 2025, Judge Robert Jay rejected an attempt by the defendants to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Massa regarding the case’Singapuragate’ no 2008 Drivers’ World Cup.
This time, the British Court ratified the decision and ordered the defendants to pay £250,000 (around R$1.8 million) relating to the Brazilian’s part of the costs in the process.
Furthermore, the defendants were not permitted to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal. Instead, defendants can seek permission from the British Supreme Court to bring a direct (“leapfrog”) appeal, restricted to limited points of law.
Massa’s defense sees that no further appeal should be allowed and that the case should proceed to trial. .
Understand the case
The former Ferrari driver took action over the case Singapuragate, occurred in the 2008 championship, which culminated in the Brazilian’s runner-up finish. .
In excerpts from the documents presented by Felipe’s representatives, it is clearly mentioned that the Brazilian seeks redress for the case through compensation and recognition of responsibility.
“Mr Massa is not seeking any change in the result of the 2008 Championship. Nor is there any suggestion, despite this process having been widely publicized in the press, that any third parties wish to approach the Court”, points out one of the parties to the documents.
The lawsuit filed by Massa pursues two main objectives. The first of these is compensation in the order of 64 million pounds (R$455 million, at current prices).
Remember the “Singaporegate” case
O “Singapuragate” This is the intentional crash caused by Nelsinho Piquet, and confirmed by himself, during the Singapore Grand Prix, in 2008. The aim of the accident was to favor the race of Fernando Alonso, Piquet’s then teammate.
After the crash, the safety car was activated. Alonso was not called to the pits, as he had changed tires and refueled on the previous lap. With that, the Spaniard took the lead of the race and ended up winning it.
Unfortunately for Felipe, who had been called by Ferrari to make a refueling and tire change stop, a fuel hose got stuck in the car. This forced the Brazilian to abandon the race.
At the end of the season, Felipe missed the points. Lewis Hamilton won the title with a point advantage over the Brazilian at the Interlagos Circuit, in Brazil.
In 2009, Nelsinho confirmed his participation and collaborated with the investigation of the case, carried out by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). Piquet Jr. pointed out that bosses of the Renault team, the team for which he and Alonso raced, forced him to carry out the crash. In return, Piquet would have his relationship with the team renewed.
