Lewis Hamilton’s grip on his 2008 Formula 1 championship title appears to be stronger than ever, as new revelations surface in the courtroom battle instigated by Felipe Massa. The Brazilian racing star is contesting the outcome of the 2008 season, claiming that a deliberate crash, infamously referred to as ‘Crashgate,’ robbed him of his rightful glory and a staggering £64 million in damages.
Massa’s case, which is currently being heard in London’s Royal Courts of Justice, pivots on the dramatic events of the Singapore Grand Prix. During that fateful race, Massa was leading when his fortunes took a turn for the worse due to a orchestrated crash by Nelson Piquet Jr., which ultimately benefited Fernando Alonso, who clinched victory. Massa limped across the finish line in 13th place, while Hamilton seized the championship by finishing just one point ahead of him in the overall standings.
The former Ferrari driver is not merely seeking a symbolic acknowledgment of his lost title; his legal claim includes a hefty £64 million, aimed at compensating for his lost earnings and sponsorship opportunities. However, the defendants—comprising the FIA, Formula One Management, and the influential Bernie Ecclestone—are pushing back hard. They are urging the court to dismiss Massa’s claim, arguing that he has delayed too long in pursuing his case and lacks credible evidence to support his assertion that the Singapore GP crash directly caused his championship loss.
In a dramatic twist, a 41-page document submitted by Massa’s legal team indicates a significant strategic choice: Massa is not seeking a change to the official results of the 2008 championship. An alarming excerpt from the document states, “Mr. Massa is not seeking any alteration to the outcome of the 2008 Championship. Nor is there any suggestion, despite this process having been widely publicized in the press, that any third parties wish to approach the Court.” This implies that Hamilton’s first of seven world titles, which he secured at the iconic Interlagos, is poised to remain intact despite the ongoing legal proceedings.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, Judge Robert Jay is expected to reach a verdict on the future of the case by the end of the hearing on October 31. However, the implications of this ruling could extend for weeks, keeping motorsport fans on the edge of their seats. Will justice prevail for Massa, or will Hamilton’s championship remain protected in the face of history? The world of Formula 1 is watching closely as this sensational saga continues to develop, with the stakes higher than ever before.







