Lewis Hamilton Responds to Felipe Massa’s £64 Million 2008 Title Lawsuit
Lewis Hamilton has addressed the ongoing lawsuit filed by Felipe Massa regarding the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship. The Brazilian driver is seeking £64 million in damages, claiming a conspiracy involving Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA was responsible for his lost title.
Background of the Lawsuit
The pre-trial hearing took place in London’s Royal Courts of Justice. Lawyers representing Massa, led by Nick de Marco KC, argued for a full High Court trial. They allege that Ecclestone and former FIA president Max Mosley were aware of a deliberate crash by Nelson Piquet Jr. during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.
Massa contends he received information about this crash during the season, not during a subsequent investigation in 2009. Reports suggest that Mosley knew about the crash shortly after it occurred but took no action due to a lack of evidence.
Key Players in the Legal Battle
- Felipe Massa: Brazilian driver pursuing legal action.
- Lewis Hamilton: Current F1 champion, not a defendant in the case.
- Bernie Ecclestone: F1’s former CEO, implicated in the conspiracy.
- Max Mosley: Former FIA president, alleged to have knowledge of the conspiracy.
- Nelson Piquet Jr: The driver who executed the controversial crash.
Arguments Presented in Court
Ecclestone’s legal team, including David Quest KC and Anneliese Day KC for the FIA and F1, respectively, argued that the lawsuit is statute-barred. They asserted that Massa should have been aware of the situation given the close relationship between Ecclestone and Mosley.
Massa is not attempting to strip Hamilton of his title but seeks recognition as the “rightful” 2008 champion. He also demands an apology from the FIA for the lack of a thorough investigation into the incident.
Hamilton’s Response
Hamilton, who is not implicated in the lawsuit, commented on the matter ahead of the Brazilian GP. He expressed that the legal proceedings do not concern him directly.
“I don’t have a view on it. I’m not in touch with it at all,” Hamilton stated. He emphasized his focus on competing rather than engaging in the legal intricacies surrounding the lawsuit.
Current Status of the Lawsuit
As of November 7, 2023, Mr. Justice Jay has not yet issued a decision on whether the case will proceed to a full trial. His verdict is anticipated soon, and the outcome could impact the landscape of Formula 1 history.
