In a surprising turn of events, the legal team of Felipe Massa has allegedly reached out to Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton for support in their quest to revisit the 2008 F1 Drivers’ Championship results. Massa, who lost the championship title to Hamilton by a mere point, is determined to seek “justice for the sport.” The controversy revolves around the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where allegations of intentional team manipulation arose.
The Call for Support
According to Sky Sports, Massa’s legal representatives are not taking the pursuit of justice lightly. Bernardo Viana of the Sao Paulo Vieira Rezende Advogados law firm, which represents Massa in Brazil, recently stated that they hope Hamilton will stand by their side in this endeavor. Viana emphasized Hamilton’s importance as a sporting ambassador and his commitment to upholding sporting integrity.
The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix Controversy
The crux of the matter lies in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. During that race, Renault (currently Alpine) allegedly instructed their driver, Nelson Piquet Jr., to crash intentionally, ultimately benefiting his teammate, Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race. This orchestrated incident led to the deployment of a safety car, prompting Massa to pit from the lead.
The Turning Point
Massa’s pit stop during the safety car period was marred by a disastrous error. He was mistakenly released from his pit box with the fuel hose still attached, effectively ending his chances of winning the race and handing crucial points to Hamilton. This pivotal moment in F1 history left Massa and his supporters convinced that he had been unjustly robbed of the championship.
Seeking Redress
Massa’s legal team estimates that the Brazilian driver lost out on significant earnings, amounting to “tens of millions of euros.” However, their primary objective is to secure an acknowledgment from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) that an injustice occurred in the 2008 championship battle.
Final Thoughts
The unexpected twist in the 2008 F1 Drivers’ Championship saga has raised eyebrows across the motorsport world. Felipe Massa’s legal team’s call for Lewis Hamilton’s support injects fresh intrigue into this long-standing debate. How the now seven-time world champion from Mercedes F1 will respond remains to be seen.