Felipe Massa and his lawsuit have been the topic of conversation for a while now. Ever since he filed his lawsuit, he has been gunning for Lewis Hamilton’s first Championship title. Toto Wolff has now commented on this and feels that the lawsuit could provide an opportunity for him and the team
“Clearly not something that anybody saw coming,” Wolff said before the Singapore GP. “The rule is pretty clear in Formula 1. There’s a civil case behind it, it will certainly set a precedent whatever it is. We are looking from the sidelines with curiosity.”
If Felipe Massa is successful in his lawsuit, it could provide an opportunity for Mercedes to do the same for the 2021 title. During the final race of the 2021 season, Lewis Hamilton lost the Championship due to a blunder caused by the FIA race director, Michael Masi who has since stepped down from his position.
“We are looking from the sidelines with curiosity”
Toto Wolff says Mercedes are following Felipe Massa’s legal case around the 2008 world championship, as the outcome will “set a precedent” 👇 pic.twitter.com/Unb983NCXO
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 16, 2023
An initial statement released by Felipe Massa’s lawyers stated that the Brazilian is looking for compensation. However, Massa cleared things up by saying that he is going after the 2008 Championship. Unfortunately for him, he has not received much support from his old team. Ferrari are yet to comment on the matter. Fred Vasseur gave his personal opinion on the matter though. He said that he doesn’t like results to be changed after a race.
Felipe Massa and his lawyers are looking to get the FIA to disqualify the Singapore Grand Prix from the 2008 season. If the FIA were to do so, Lewis Hamilton‘s total point score would decrease by 6 points. This would see Massa take the title. Despite trying to take the Championship from Lewis, Massa’s lawyers have said that they are expecting Lewis Hamilton’s support in the lawsuit.
How many Championships will Lewis Hamilton have if Felipe Massa wins his lawsuit?
Lewis Hamilton currently has 7 Championships. However, if Felipe Massa is awarded the 2008 title, Lewis’ total title count would go down to 6. This would mean that he will be 1 Championship away from Michael Schumacher’s record.
However, if Felipe Massa wins the title, it will set a precedent for Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff to go after the 2021 title. In which case, Lewis Hamilton will once again have 7 titles while Max Verstappen will lose one of his.
Before the Singapore Grand Prix, Helmut Marko was asked about Felipe Massa’s lawsuit. To this, he said that he hopes Massa wins the lawsuit so Lewis would only have 6 Championships. But it looks like he didn’t realize that the success of Massa’s lawsuit would open the door for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to go after Verstappen’s first Championship.
Lewis on the legal action Felipe Massa is taking:
“I’m not focused on what happened 15 years ago, or 2 years ago, I’m focused on what’s up ahead, and now, and trying to get our car and our team back to the top of the podium.”
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) September 15, 2023
Lewis Hamilton is currently trying to win another Championship with Mercedes. He recently signed a contract extension which will see him drive for the team until the 2025 season. After signing the contract, he said he had some unfinished business with the sport.
Will Felipe Massa open the gate for Lewis Hamilton to win his 2021 title from Max Verstappen? Post your answers in the comment section below.