Lewis Hamilton Opens Up on £64 Million Court Battle Over Controversial 2008 F1 Title
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has finally broken his silence regarding the ongoing legal case filed by Felipe Massa, who is seeking up to £64 million in damages related to the infamous 2008 “Crashgate” scandal. The case, which officially began in court last week, has reignited debate over one of the most controversial moments in Formula 1 history and the legitimacy of Hamilton’s first world title.
The saga dates back to the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where Nelson Piquet Jr., driving for Renault, deliberately crashed his car on the instructions of team bosses to help teammate Fernando Alonso secure victory. The deliberate crash brought out a safety car at a crucial point in the race, dramatically affecting the running order. While Alonso benefited by jumping to the front, Massa, who had been leading, suffered a disastrous pit stop that saw him drop to 13th place. Hamilton, meanwhile, finished third — a result that proved vital in his narrow championship victory, as he ultimately beat Massa by just one point in the final standings.
The truth about Renault’s manipulation only came to light in 2009, after Piquet Jr. revealed that he had been ordered to crash. The scandal led to lifetime bans for team principal Flavio Briatore and engineer Pat Symonds (though both were later overturned on appeal). However, in 2023, shocking remarks by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone reopened the controversy. Ecclestone claimed that both he and former FIA president Max Mosley were aware of Renault’s actions during the 2008 season but chose not to act, fearing the scandal would damage the sport’s reputation.
This revelation prompted Massa to launch legal action, arguing that Formula 1 and the FIA breached their contractual obligations and duties by failing to investigate or take timely action. The Brazilian maintains that had the race been annulled or results altered, he could have won the 2008 World Championship — a title that would have drastically changed his career trajectory and financial earnings. Massa’s lawyers are therefore seeking £64 million in compensation, citing lost earnings, sponsorships, and emotional distress.
While Massa has made it clear that his lawsuit is not directed at Lewis Hamilton personally, the Briton has found himself at the center of renewed public attention. Speaking for the first time since the case began, Hamilton expressed his feelings with characteristic composure and empathy, emphasizing his respect for Massa and the difficult situation surrounding the events.
“I have a lot of respect for Felipe and everything he’s done in this sport,” Hamilton said. “It’s been many years since that season, and while I understand his position, I’ve always focused on moving forward and continuing to race with integrity. What happened back then was out of any driver’s control. My job was simply to perform on track.”
Hamilton added that he has faith in the legal process and reiterated that he bears no ill will toward Massa or Ferrari fans who still feel aggrieved by how the 2008 championship unfolded. “The truth is, that season was full of ups and downs for both of us,” he continued. “We fought hard, and it was one of the closest battles in Formula 1 history. I’ve never taken that championship for granted, and I know how much it meant to everyone involved.”
The 2008 finale at Interlagos remains one of the most dramatic moments in F1 history. Massa famously crossed the finish line believing he had secured the title, only for Hamilton to clinch fifth place in the final corner of the race — enough to win the championship by a single point. The emotional scenes of Massa celebrating before learning the devastating news have become an enduring image of sporting heartbreak.
For Massa, the legal pursuit is not just about financial compensation but about restoring what he believes was an injustice. His legal team argues that the FIA’s failure to act on knowledge of Renault’s wrongdoing undermined the sport’s fairness. “This is about accountability and integrity in Formula 1,” a spokesperson for Massa’s team said. “Felipe was denied a fair championship outcome because the governing bodies failed to intervene when they should have.”
As the court proceedings continue, Hamilton remains focused on his current career with Ferrari while maintaining silence on legal specifics. The seven-time world champion emphasized that he does not wish to be drawn into any confrontation. “What’s most important is that the sport learns from its past,” he concluded. “We’ve all come a long way since 2008. I just hope that whatever happens, it brings closure and clarity for everyone involved.”
While the final outcome of Massa’s case remains uncertain, it has once again brought into focus the fine margins that define greatness in Formula 1 — and the lasting shadows cast by the sport’s most controversial moments.
