Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on Felipe Massa Hearing
Lewis Hamilton has expressed no opinion regarding Felipe Massa’s legal case related to the 2008 World Championship. Hamilton, who won his first title at the final race in Interlagos after a season-long rivalry with Massa, has avoided commenting on the matter.
Background of the 2008 Title Battle
The 2008 season was marked by a tight championship fight between Hamilton and Massa. However, Massa is now pursuing legal action, claiming damages of $82 million (£64 million) for lost earnings due to not being World Champion that year.
Legal Action and ‘Crashgate’ Controversy
Massa’s lawsuit followed a 2023 interview with then-F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone published by a German media outlet. The interview included statements suggesting Ecclestone and former FIA President Max Mosley had prior knowledge of the deliberate nature of the ‘Crashgate’ scandal.
- ‘Crashgate’ involved Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr deliberately crashing to aid teammate Fernando Alonso.
- The incident was confirmed only after becoming public knowledge.
- Ecclestone has denied awareness of giving the interview.
- Ecclestone, the FIA, and Formula One Management reject the allegations.
Massa’s Hearing and Stated Motivations
The former Ferrari driver recently attended a three-day hearing in London. He maintains that his legal action aims to uphold “sporting justice” rather than to target Hamilton personally.
“My legal action has been in the interest of ‘sporting justice’, not against Lewis Hamilton,” said Massa.
Hamilton continues to remain silent on the legal proceedings as the verdict on the 2008 title dispute is awaited.
Summary: Lewis Hamilton remains silent on Felipe Massa’s $82 million claim linked to the 2008 championship, while Massa insists his legal fight is about sporting justice, not personal grievance.