Rumors are growing around the Lewis Hamilton world championship title from 2008. Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa continues to challenge the outcome of that dramatic Formula 1 season. According to the Brazilian, he should have been crowned world champion that year, not Lewis Hamilton.
The controversy dates back to the infamous Crashgate scandal at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately crashed his car, helping his teammate Fernando Alonso secure victory. The FIA later confirmed the manipulation, but the race results remained valid. Because of that decision, the championship standings did not change, and Hamilton kept the title by just one point.
A legal battle that could rewrite F1 history
Felipe Massa now believes he has enough evidence to reopen the case. His lawyers claim the FIA failed to act quickly and that crucial information was hidden. If the Singapore race were annulled, Hamilton would lose the points that secured his 2008 title. In that scenario, Massa would become the rightful world champion.
However, there is a major obstacle. FIA regulations forbid any modification of championship results after the official prize-giving ceremony. This same rule prevented Hamilton from reclaiming the 2021 crown he lost to Max Verstappen following Michael Masi’s controversial handling of the final laps in Abu Dhabi. Even though the FIA later admitted mistakes, no official correction was made.
What happens if Massa wins his appeal ?
If Massa’s appeal succeeds, Hamilton could drop from seven to six world titles. That outcome might trigger a new legal chain reaction. The British driver could then appeal the 2021 decision, arguing that his Lewis Hamilton world championship title was also unfairly taken.
The FIA’s next steps are expected soon. Massa’s legal team is reportedly seeking access to confidential race data and internal communications. The governing body must decide whether to stop the process or allow it to move forward. Whatever the verdict, this case could make history and redefine the legacy of the Lewis Hamilton world championship title for years to come.