Bernie Ecclestone has spoken to the media once again regarding Felipe Massa’s lawsuit. Ecclestone claims that Massa is only after money and not the Championship.
“The Massa clan is only interested in the money,” he told Roger Benoit, the veteran correspondent for the Swiss newspaper Blick. “Hamilton and Mercedes could also have filed a lawsuit against the FIA after the not-very-clean finale in Abu Dhabi in 2021,”
Felipe Massa‘s entire lawsuit is based on the statement from Bernie Ecclestone where he stated that he knew about Crashgate. However, Ecclestone later said that he doesn’t remember doing so. But this has not stopped the Brazilian from pursuing his case.
The initial statement from his lawyers indicated that they were looking for compensation. However, Massa cleared things up and said that they were going after the title which was awarded to Lewis Hamilton. This would mean that Lewis Hamilton’s title count would go down to 6.
🚨 ZERO CHANCE 🚨
Bernie Ecclestone, ex-chefe da F1: “O clã Massa só se preocupa com o dinheiro. As chances (de Massa ganhar) são zero” pic.twitter.com/ULVGT19jTb
— Blog Fórmula 1 🏁 (@blog_formula1) September 13, 2023
It is unlikely that Massa will be successful in taking the title from Lewis Hamilton. This is mainly because it cannot be determined for certain if Felipe Massa could have won the Championship if not for Crashgate. He claims that the Grand Prix results should not be counted for the Championship. This may not be possible as it has been 15 years since Hamilton won his 1st Championship. This is why Ecclestone believes that Massa is only looking for compensation.
Although Massa is expecting support from Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton as well, he is yet to receive so. Even the fans are not thrilled with the lawsuit he has placed. Ever since he announced that he would be suing the FIA and FOM, he has not had a lot of positive reactions from the fans or support from anyone in the paddock.
Felipe Massa’s potential lawsuit victory could come back to haunt Max Verstappen
If Felipe Massa is successful in his lawsuit, it would mean Lewis Hamilton’s title count will go down to 6. However, Massa’s victory will open the door for Hamilton and Mercedes to start a lawsuit for the 2021 season finale where Max Verstappen took the Championship.
The argument can be made as the investigation by the FIA found that a member of their own team had not followed the proper procedure before calling in the safety car before the last lap of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This could help Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ case for the 2021 Championship.
🚨 ABU DHABI 2021🚨
Bernie Ecclestone, ex-chefe da F1: “Hamilton e Mercedes poderiam ter entrado com uma ação judicial contra a FIA após o final não muito limpo de 2021, em Abu Dhabi” pic.twitter.com/PDEHQ8cN1x
— Blog Fórmula 1 🏁 (@blog_formula1) September 13, 2023
So basically, in order for Hamilton to win the 2021 Championship, he would have to lose the 2008 Championship. In which case, he would maintain his current count of 7 Championships. This would mean that he will still need one more to break Michael Schumacher’s record.
Right now, Lewis Hamilton has not commented on Felipe Massa’s lawsuit. This is probably because he wants to retain his Championship. Also, he is more focused on performing for the team this season. Ever since he lost the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the team has been struggling for performance. The regulation change that took place in 2022 affected Mercedes badly and are trying to find a way to challenge Red Bull.
Do you think Felipe Massa can take away Lewis Hamilton’s first title? Post your answers in the comment section below.