Controversies have not been strangers in this season. But few moments have sparked as much controversy as the 2008 season’s conclusion. The title race that year was nothing short of breathtaking, and while Lewis Hamilton secured his 1st WDC, there remains a lingering debate about the legitimacy of his victory. Now, the ever-controversial Bernie Ecclestone, who presided over F1 in 2008, has thrown fuel on the fire by suggesting that, “Massa should have been the 2008 champion.” Ecclestone’s comments have brought back haunting memories of “Crashgate”. Meanwhile, they have stirred the pot once again by challenging the legitimacy of Max Verstappen‘s 1st world title.

Ecclestone’s controversial stance centers on the 2008 Singapore GP, a race mired in scandal. Before the event, Renault’s Flavio Briatore and Pat Symonds orchestrated a devious plan to ensure their driver, Fernando Alonso, claimed victory. They instructed Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash his car, causing a safety car period that played into Alonso’s hands. Ecclestone argues the rules allowed for the Singapore race’s cancellation under such conditions, which would have had no impact on the championship standings. Felipe Massa, who had won his home race in Sao Paulo and appeared to have done everything right, would have rightfully been crowned the 2008 World Champion instead of Lewis Hamilton.

Ecclestone’s claim resonates with those who believe that justice was not served in 2008, basically Massa’s lawsuit. However, Ecclestone, known for his unfiltered opinions, declared as quoted by blick.ch that, “Hamilton and Mercedes could have filed a lawsuit against the FIA ​​after the not very clean 2021 finale in Abu Dhabi.”  The Abu Dhabi race was an intense showdown that saw Verstappen claim the championship on the final lap after a late safety car. Hamilton, who had led most of the race, had been disadvantaged by the late-race decision to allow lapped cars to unlap themselves, giving Verstappen a chance to attack on fresh tires. The stewards’ controversial rulings and the subsequent protests by Toto Wolff, later to be declared by FIA as ‘human error,’ many viewed the race’s conclusion as murky.

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While Ecclestone’s remarks may seem like a blast from the past, they resonate strongly in the context of the recent Abu Dhabi GP controversy rubbing salt on Toto Wolff’s missed opportunity to challenge the outcome. The debate surrounding the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to simmer, another legal battle is brewing steadily.

Felipe Massa’s ongoing legal pursuit

Felipe Massa, who missed out on the 2008 World Championship, refuses to let go of his belief that he was unjustly denied the title. Massa contends that F1 and the FIA were already aware of the “Crashgate” scandal during that season, and as a result, the Singapore GP should never have counted in the championship standings. Taking a resolute stance, Massa has embarked on a legal battle to claim what he believes is rightfully his—the 2008 world title.

His legal team has initiated action against key figures involved in the scandal, including Flavio Briatore. Massa’s legal team has not stopped at Briatore alone; they have also targeted Renault, Ferrari (Massa’s former team), ING (the sponsor of Renault at the time), Pat Symonds (former Renault sporting director), and Steve Nielsen (also a former Renault sporting director). The purpose of this legal action is twofold: to put the involved parties on notice that a potential lawsuit looms, and to safeguard critical documents from any tampering or destruction.

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What do you think did Toto Wolff miss a chance, but considering Felipe Massa is challenging with the lawsuit now, is it too late for Mercedes to challenge the 2021 championship?

WATCH THIS STORY | How Fernando Alonso’s 2008 Singapore GP Win Became One of F1’s Worst Controversies – Crashgate