Felipe Massa and his attempt at ‘regaining’ credit for the 2008 F1 world championship is like flogging a dead horse. However, in the recent months that have led up to today, it has also become an embarrassing tactic of extortion, or so many people think. It’s been 15 long years since that infamous race in Singapore that gave birth to Crashgate and since Lewis Hamilton wracked up the first of his seven world championships. Now, Massa wants to change history with a hefty price tag.

Massa and his army of lawyers have threatened a $13,000,000 lawsuit on Hamilton, Formula 1 and FIA for manipulating and taking away that year’s championship from under his nose. Though that loss would be bitter, many are now questioning the financial motives for Massa’s latest legal attempt.

Felipe Massa tries to convince us he’s not after Hamilton’s earnings

Lawyer talk is something that many people often choose not to take on face value. But if Massa’s lawyers are to be believed by the general populace this time, it would appear that the $13 million price tag is just a procedural moniker and not an attempt to exploit the 7x champ’s big pockets.

The Brazilian’s lead lawyer, Bernardo Viana was quoted by SoyMotor.com as explaining, “The objective is to take the trophy home, it is not financial. To get there, you have to take different measures with different approaches, some to obtain information and others to obtain statements, there will be several fronts.” [translated via Google]

But Massa’s own account may actually be contrary to what his lawyers have said.

Read More: Shocking Details of Lewis Hamilton’s Hide & Seek Affair With Ferrari in Frederic Vasseur’s Backyard

The real reason Massa is suing Lewis Hamilton

Right now, with all the buzz leading up to the actual case being filed, Massa would have you believe that the only thing he desires is vindication. However, in the past, when the seeds of this tussle were being sown, Massa had different ideas in mind.

According to Sky Sports F1, monetary compensation was a very important factor for Massa to file the lawsuit. They reported, “The lawyers’ letter warned that, without a satisfactory response, Massa intended to “pursue legal action in order to seek compensation for the harm he has suffered”. He also wanted “recognition that, but for those unlawful acts, he would have been awarded the 2008 Championship”.”

Should Felipe Massa be reprimanded or commended for his efforts against the sport?

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