“A gamble,” Felipe Massa warns Lewis Hamilton against ditching Mercedes for Ferrari amidst 2008 championship legal drama

Felipe Massa drove for Ferrari and nearly won a world title with them in 2008

Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton

At the end of the year, Lewis Hamilton’s contract with the Silver Arrows will expire. It is widely anticipated that the team, which has helped him secure six world championships, will continue their partnership by renewing his contract. Hamilton, who is currently 38 years old, is expected to remain with the team.

However, the lackluster start of the new season for Mercedes has raised doubts about Hamilton’s loyalty to the team, and there are speculations that he might consider exploring other options. The team making headlines as a potential destination is Ferrari.

Felipe Massa raced with Ferrari for eight years, and lost out to Hamilton in the 2008 title battle by a mere point. He has provided his take on the situation, speaking to media. He said, “Anything is possible, but I have doubts that it will happen. The relationship Lewis has with Mercedes is strong and to change that for Ferrari he would need to be sure what he is going to get.”

He added, “Ferrari have not proved they have the car to win the championship. Going there would be a bit of a gamble.” Massa has recently pursued legal action and has appealed Hamilton’s 2008 title, stating it was manipulated by means of the Crashgate controversy. The Brazilian has done this hoping to overturn the decision and the title being awarded to him instead.

Felipe Massa has insisted his challenge for the title is not about money

Bernie Ecclestone has recently admitted that both he and former FIA president Max Mosely had knowledge of the Crashgate scandal that occurred during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. Ecclestone attempted to defend his choice of not intervening in the race outcome, arguing that withholding the information was an effort to preserve the integrity of the sport.

This incident ultimately resulted in Felipe Massa losing the championship title to Lewis Hamilton. As a result of the new revelations, Massa, who is now retired, has cast doubt on the legitimacy of Hamilton’s victory. He has now disclosed the rationale behind his possible legal action. He believes that justice was not served because Max Mosley and former race director Charlie Whiting did not take appropriate action at the time of the incident, despite being aware of the situation.

Felipe Massa walking past Nelson Piquet Jr today in Miami…

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— Ferrari News ? (@FanaticsFerrari) May 7, 2023

Massa has clarified that his decision to challenge Hamilton’s 2008 championship win through legal means potentially is not motivated by money or any financial gain. He insisted, “I’m not doing this for money. I’m not doing this for anything. Because it’s not what I aim to, but I’m doing this for justice.”

Massa has assembled his legal team and has taken further steps in his pursuit of the title. He has not disclosed any substantial information at this time and has opted not to comment. He has assured that he and his team are studying every possible option, however, and is adhering to his instructions of remaining silent.