Former F1 driver and Formula E world champion Lucas di Grassi has revealed how the infamous ‘Crashgate’ scandal derailed his racing career.
“It damaged my career, because I was the reserve driver for Renault,” di Grassi explained in an interview with RacingNews365.
The Brazilian was poised to move up to a race seat when the scandal broke in 2008.
“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.”
But everything changed after the Singapore Grand Prix, where Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his car to help teammate Fernando Alonso secure a victory.
“After Singapore, everything stalled, and they also renewed [Piquet’s] contract. So that thing also kind of impacted my career. I might go back and sue [Renault]!” di Grassi joked.
The financial impact was significant too.
“I would have probably scored points in F1. It would have changed my life financially at the time,” he admitted.
Instead of racing for a competitive Renault team, di Grassi eventually made his F1 debut with the struggling Virgin team.
When asked if he suspected Piquet’s crash was intentional at the time, di Grassi said: “I had my suspicion, but it was never confirmed. I only got to know the full story when it was fully reviewed.”
Now 41, di Grassi has carved out a successful career elsewhere, winning the 2016/17 Formula E championship. He’ll continue racing in the all-electric series this season with Lola Yamaha ABT.
## ‘Crashgate’ Back in the Spotlight
The 15-year-old scandal has recently resurfaced because of Felipe Massa’s legal battle against F1, the FIA, and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
Massa is seeking a whopping $82 million (£64 million) in damages, believing the scandal cost him the 2008 world title. That championship went to Lewis Hamilton after a dramatic last-lap overtake at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The case gained momentum after Ecclestone admitted in a 2023 interview that he and then-FIA president Max Mosley knew about Renault’s orchestrated crash before the end of the 2008 season but chose not to act.
The legal proceedings have reached a crucial stage in London, with hearings that could lead to a full trial.
Massa’s case hit a roadblock on Wednesday, though, when the FIA delivered a strong rebuttal to his claims.
## GPblog’s latest F1 Paddock Update
Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.
