Court Orders $250K Payment to Felipe Massa in Lawsuit Over Lost 2008 Formula 1 Title — Report

A court in the United Kingdom has ordered the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Formula 1’s management, and former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to pay £250,000 (about $315,000) to ex-Ferrari driver Felipe Massa to cover part of his legal costs tied to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix scandal, according to Sky Sports.

Massa filed a lawsuit in London’s High Court in March 2024 over the controversial race in Singapore. The Brazilian argued that the results of the event should have been voided and that the Formula 1 championship he lost on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix that season should rightfully belong to him. Massa was also seeking financial compensation estimated between £60 million and £150 million.

The court later ruled that the Brazilian driver may pursue claims for financial damages linked to the scandal. However, judges rejected his request to be officially recognized as the 2008 Formula 1 world champion.

According to the court order, Massa must be paid £250,000 as part of the legal expenses related to the latest round of motions in the case.

The proceedings themselves remain paused until a final decision is issued, though the parties involved can still submit additional filings as the case moves forward.