Massa has launched proceedings against the FIA and FOM over their handling of the investigation into the 2008 Singapore GP “Crashgate” controversy, which ultimately cost him the world title to Lewis Hamilton that year.
The Brazilian believes there was a conspiracy that prevented the investigation into the Crashgate affair until the world title was settled, with the FIA learning of it during the 2008 season finale in Brazil.
Massa’s legal team is currently awaiting a response from the FIA and FOM to questions it has asked about the events that took place in 2008 before considering next steps.
And although Wolff said he is following developments with interest because any success in civil court could set a precedent for potential action by his team in the 2021 title finale in Abu Dhabi, he is skeptical about recovery of the title by Massa.
“I don’t think he has a record, to be honest,” Wolff said. “We adhere to the sporting regulations. They are very clear and you commit yourself as a licensee.
“If everyone opened up situations, sport would be in disarray, and especially when you look at the championships in their entirety: there are so many things that have an influence on victory or defeat, that I don’t see the case to be honest…
Felipe Massa
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz / Motorsport Images
“On the civil side, I don’t know, let’s assess whether there are any damages that could be claimed. I think reputation, they have a difficult position, what is it? But yes, for me it’s like watching a telenovela, or a soap opera playing out in front of me.”
Massa himself is unmoved by Wolff’s comments and believes that skepticism about his case is proof that he is doing the right thing.
Asked about comments from Wolff and Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who also downplayed the Brazilian’s chances of success, Massa said: “I think it just shows that we are on the right track and that people in F1 realize the seriousness and importance of our case.”
He added: “As I have always said, I am looking for justice, my childhood dream, a title for an entire nation, for the Brazilians. And for the fans too.
“This is entirely my fight and that of my family, so we did everything we could to have the best professionals in the world on our side.”
While Massa’s legal team hoped the truth about the 2008 investigation would come to light, he hoped the FIA and FOM would be willing to help.
“I hope the FIA and FOM of today are different [from 2008]“, he said. “Both entities have the chance to prove it, by righting the mistakes of the past, for the good of the sport.”
Massa has launched proceedings against the FIA and FOM over their handling of the investigation into the 2008 Singapore GP “Crashgate” controversy, which ultimately cost him the world title to Lewis Hamilton that year.
The Brazilian believes there was a conspiracy that prevented the investigation into the Crashgate affair until the world title was settled, with the FIA learning of it during the 2008 season finale in Brazil.
Massa’s legal team is currently awaiting a response from the FIA and FOM to questions it has asked about the events that took place in 2008 before considering next steps.
And although Wolff said he is following developments with interest because any success in civil court could set a precedent for potential action by his team in the 2021 title finale in Abu Dhabi, he is skeptical about recovery of the title by Massa.
“I don’t think he has a record, to be honest,” Wolff said. “We adhere to the sporting regulations. They are very clear and you commit yourself as a licensee.
“If everyone opened up situations, sport would be in disarray, and especially when you look at the championships in their entirety: there are so many things that have an influence on victory or defeat, that I don’t see the case to be honest…
Felipe Massa
Photo by: Alexander Trienitz / Motorsport Images
“On the civil side, I don’t know, let’s assess whether there are any damages that could be claimed. I think reputation, they have a difficult position, what is it? But yes, for me it’s like watching a telenovela, or a soap opera playing out in front of me.”
Massa himself is unmoved by Wolff’s comments and believes that skepticism about his case is proof that he is doing the right thing.
Asked about comments from Wolff and Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, who also downplayed the Brazilian’s chances of success, Massa said: “I think it just shows that we are on the right track and that people in F1 realize the seriousness and importance of our case.”
He added: “As I have always said, I am looking for justice, my childhood dream, a title for an entire nation, for the Brazilians. And for the fans too.
“This is entirely my fight and that of my family, so we did everything we could to have the best professionals in the world on our side.”
While Massa’s legal team hoped the truth about the 2008 investigation would come to light, he hoped the FIA and FOM would be willing to help.
“I hope the FIA and FOM of today are different [from 2008]“, he said. “Both entities have the chance to prove it, by righting the mistakes of the past, for the good of the sport.”
