Ex-F1 driver says 'Crashgate' 'damaged career' amid Massa’s legal fight

16:12, 30 Oct

Updated: 16:24, 30 Oct

byOlly Darcy

Former F1 driver and Formula E world champion Lucas di Grassi stated that the 'Crashgate' scandal "damaged my career".

"I would have probably scored points in F1. It would have changed my life financially at the time."

- Lucas di Grassi

The Brazilian was part of Renault's team during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, a race now infamous in Formula 1 after Nelson Piquet Jr. was instructed to deliberately crash, aiding teammate Fernando Alonso and allowing him to take the win.

Now, with 'Crashgate' back in the news due to Felipe Massa taking legal action against F1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, Di Grassi has explained how being a part of the Renault camp rocked his racing career.

"It damaged my career, because I was the reserve driver for Renault," the former Virgin F1 driver explained in an interview with RacingNews365.

The stricken Renault after Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Di Grassi 'had his suspicions' after 'Crashgate'

"I was going to get Nelson's [seat] because Nelson, by that time, was pretty much fired, and I was the next one in line to go up into that racing seat.

"After Singapore, everything stalled, and they also renewed [his] contract. So that thing also kind of impacted my career. I might go back and sue [Renault]! That will never happen. Also, I would be in a different position in my career.

"It's very hard, and of course, it would have been a difference in my career, because then probably I would have had a few more races with a better team instead of with Virgin in F1. Then I would have probably scored points in F1. It would have changed my life financially at the time."

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Before Piquet blew the whistle and revealed that he had been told to crash intentionally at the Marina Bay Circuit, Piquet was dropped midway through the 2009 season.

Di Grassi was asked if he believed that Piquet had intentionally crashed: "I had my suspicion, but it was never confirmed. I only got to know the full story when it was fully reviewed."

The 41-year-old, who won the 2016/17 Formula E championship, will race in the all-electric class this season for Lola Yamaha ABT.

Felipe Massa missed out on the 2008 world championship on countback, with a legal case now being pursued after the 'Crashgate' scandal - Photo: Race Pictures

'Crashgate' scandal hits the courts

This incident from 2008 has been brought back to the forefront of people's minds due to the legal case brought forward by Massa, with the Brazilian seeking $82 million (£64 million) in damages from the FIA, FOM, and former F1 boss Ecclestone following the latter’s 2023 interview with F1-Insider.

Massa, believing that the incident cost him the 2008 world title, won by Lewis Hamilton with a dramatic last-lap overtake at the Brazilian Grand Prix, has taken this case on after comments made by Ecclestone in 2023 stated he and then-FIA president Max Mosley knew what Renault had done in Singapore.

The case has reached a key stage in London, as the hearings that will be conducted will lead to a potential full trial, should there be a case for it. However, Massa's chances took a hit after the FIA delivered a fierce response on Wednesday.

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