‘F1 teams don’t cheat. They ‘strategically explore grey areas.’
Formula 1 has always had its fair share of scandals—dodgy team orders, hidden technology, and, in one case, an actual crash-for-hire scheme.
Crashgate (2008) stands out as one of the sport’s most outrageous moments, but how does it compare to other infamous F1 controversies?
From Spygate to Schumacher’s antics, let’s look at the wildest rule-bending moments in F1 history.
Crashgate vs. F1’s Biggest Scandals
• Crashgate (2008) – The Ultimate Fix
Renault ordered Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash in Singapore, handing the race to Alonso.
Briatore was banned for life (briefly).
• Spygate (2007) – McLaren vs. Ferrari
McLaren stole 780 pages of Ferrari secrets.
Fined $100 million—the most expensive photocopying job in history.
• Schumacher’s Monaco ‘Parking’ (2006)
Schumacher blocked Alonso in qualifying by pretending to make a mistake.
He got caught and sent to the back of the grid.
• BAR Honda’s Hidden Fuel Tank (2005)
Ran underweight during races by storing extra fuel out of sight.
FIA gave them a two-race ban for creative fuel economy.
• Senna vs. Prost (1989 & 1990) – Title-Deciding Crashes
Prost and Senna deliberately collided twice in Suzuka.
• No penalties, just two massive grudges.
Final Thought
F1 scandals come in all shapes and sizes, but Crashgate remains unique — it’s the only time a driver was ordered to crash on purpose.
And that’s why, even in a sport known for bending the rules, it still ranks as one of the worst.
‘F1 doesn’t have scandals. It has ‘creative interpretations of the rulebook.’
