Scandal in Singapore from 2008 has no consequences: Ex-F1 boss Ecclestone: ‘Mass is only concerned about the money’

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In 2008, Bernie Ecclestone (soon to be 93) brought Formula 1 to Singapore. A direct hit. And it is precisely this first GP of September 28 that the then vice world champion Felipe Massa (42) wants to remove from the rankings.

The Brazilian’s lawsuit against the FIA ​​comes a decade and a half too late. The ‘Crashgate’ at the equator has long been known and the scandal is almost forgotten.

‘Hamilton should have filed a lawsuit’

But Massa, eleven-time GP winner, has hired lawyers from several countries (including Switzerland) because he had to accept mainly economic disadvantages as a result of losing the world title (97:98).

“The Massa clan only cares about money. But the chance of that happening is zero,” says Ecclestone. “Hamilton and Mercedes could have filed a lawsuit against the FIA ​​after the less-than-clean 2021 final in Abu Dhabi.”

Victory assured with yellow

In 2008, then Benetton boss Flavio Briatore asked his driver Nelson Piquet Jr. apparently to enable a yellow phase to secure team leader Alonso’s victory.

And so it happened. The Brazilian hit the wall – yellow – and Alonso won. That same evening the first rumors surfaced. Briatore was later given a five-year ban and the drivers went unpunished. Alonso still claims today: “I didn’t know anything about it!”

File closed in December 2008

When the trophy was presented to Lewis Hamilton in December 2008, the FIA ​​put a lid on it. And so it will remain. It was not the first race where cheating and cheating took place.

Massa must remember 2010 when he immediately accepted Ferrari’s stable order at Hockenheim – and let Alonso (!) win. The penalty: $100,000 for the Italians.

Massa took the tank hose with him

By the way, Hamilton finished third in Singapore in 2008 behind Alonso and Rosberg (Williams). Massa himself missed his chance from pole position because an interior light failed during the pit stop and he drove away through the pit lane with the fuel hose.

Well, the case is tragic for Massa and closed for the FIA. Just like the final in Brazil, when they already celebrated Massa as winner and world champion. But with three corners to go, Hamilton overtook Glock (Toyota) in the rain to save fifth place and the narrow championship victory – 98:97. Became foolish.

Source : Blick