Hamilton Reflects on Massa’s Legal Action: 2008 Formula 1 Singapore GP Controversy Resurfaces
Mercedes Driver Lewis Hamilton's Take on Felipe Massa's Pursuit Over 2008 Championship Controversy
In a recent discussion, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton shared his perspective on the ongoing developments surrounding Felipe Massa’s legal pursuit related to the 2008 Formula 1 Singapore GP. This event holds historical significance as Massa narrowly lost the championship title to Hamilton by a mere one point, despite Massa’s remarkable victory at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
The current controversy has resurfaced due to statements made by former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone earlier this year. Ecclestone disclosed that he and then FIA president Max Mosley were cognizant of Nelson Piquet Jr’s orchestrated crash during the Singapore GP. Consequently, Ecclestone asserted that the race ought to be considered ‘void’ in the annals of Formula 1 history.
To delve deeper into the incident, Massa was poised to amass a substantial number of points during the Singapore GP. However, a pivotal pit stop took an unfortunate turn when Piquet’s intentional crash compelled Massa to depart hastily while the refueling hose remained attached to his car. This mishap thwarted Massa’s ability to accumulate the desired points, ultimately allowing Lewis Hamilton to secure a third-place finish.
Importantly, it should be noted that Massa and his legal team are not pursuing a revision of the 2008 championship standings. Instead, their objective centers around seeking financial restitution to cover the loss of potential bonuses, sponsorships, and salary that Massa would have earned had he been declared the championship victor. Notably, Hamilton clinched the 2008 title in a dramatic final race by overtaking Timo Glock’s Toyota on the last corner.
Commenting on the episode, the British racing icon conveyed his disinterest in the case, deeming it unproductive to revisit events of the past. Hamilton emphasized his commitment to focusing on the present and his racing endeavors. In an interview with RacingNews365, he expressed, “I find no value in dwelling on the past. My energy is dedicated to the current moment.”
“I’m really just focused on here and now.
“[I’m] helping a team get back in the championship race and am not really focused on what happened 15 years ago.”
In the present day, both Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes team are diligently working to regain their competitive edge by refining their W14 F1 car. The implementation of ground effect regulations in 2022 has posed challenges for the team, including issues with car stability. Recently, the team unveiled progress in identifying the optimal ride height; however, the tangible outcomes of this adjustment will only manifest once the cars return to the track following the summer hiatus.
