Lewis Hamilton has been a part of multiple controversies. From dating scandals to title wins, Hamilton has seen the worst come at him. With even his 2008 title in danger, the Brit has been dragged into the “Crashgate” scandal too.
However, back when he was just entering his prime, the Brit was caught in yet another controversial moment in the history of Formula 1. Recently, Massa filed for a legal battle over the 2008 title won by Lewis Hamilton. And with that, Hamilton’s 2009 controversy was referenced yet again.
Hamilton was racing against Trulli when the incident took place at the Australian Grand Prix. Hamilton was overtaken by Trulli during a yellow flag which put Trulli from his hard-earned P3 to a P12.
Everything was good for the champion when suddenly Trulli was given his place back. Soon enough it was revealed that the seven-time champion was punished for lying about a radio message. While the radio message was not specified, it was said that Lewis Hamilton deliberately misled FIA about the message exchange with his team.
2009 AUSTRALIA
Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) was disqualified for giving false evidence (ordered by Dave Ryan) on what happened during safety car against Jarno Trulli (Toyota)
Ted Kravitz explains #F1 pic.twitter.com/QgsBQSrFZe
— Motorsports in the 2000s (@CrystalRacing) March 29, 2021
Hamilton was put in a tough situation, which later would become his nightmare come true. However, Hamilton failed to win a championship title to follow up on his debut season win. Jenson Button took the title home and Hamilton questioned whether the car was up to par for his battle. Nonetheless, he went on to become a seven-time champion with his Mercedes team although he has lost controversially a few times.
Was Lewis Hamilton involved in the Biggest F1 scandal ‘Spygate’?
Lewis Hamilton has been involved in multiple scandals however, it cannot be said he took part in the scandals himself. One of the scandals that surrounded the champion was the “Spygate” scandal. The Spygate scandal came around in 2007 when Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso were teammates.
Although it’s important to note they were unaware of what was really going on behind their backs. McLaren was caught receiving top-secret documents of Ferrari.
These confidential documents could have become a big advantage for the team. It was a book about all of Ferrari’s plans for the season and the ideas. It was believed it was an 800-page long book. However, the culprits were caught and the drivers were questioned too. Nonetheless, they were not involved and were soon let off the hook.
2007 BELGIUM
McLaren were found guilty of industrial espionage, meaning they were disqualified from the 2007 constructors’ championship & fined $100 million. #Spygate
Fernando Alonso & Lewis Hamilton kept their points and were eligible to continue fighting for WDC #F1 pic.twitter.com/LQ6wMxKQNO
— Motorsports in the 2000s (@CrystalRacing) September 15, 2020
McLaren received a horrible punishment while paying a fine of $100 million. Meanwhile, the drivers were allowed to compete in the championship but were stripped of their points. While Hamilton and Alonso put their best foot out, the scandal caused Kimi Raikkonen to be crowned in the end.
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