Felipe Massa hints that his 2008 F1 title lawsuit isn’t getting enough support because he is Brazilian

Felipe Massa believes he is not respected the same way as his colleagues in the F1 paddock.

Felipe Massa hints that his 2008 F1 title lawsuit isn’t getting enough support because he is Brazilian

Felipe Massa (image via IMAGO)

Felipe Massa shocked the F1 paddock earlier this year when he announced a legal battle against F1 and the FIA. The Brazilian driver seeks to overturn the 2008 F1 championship results after former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had revealed that he was aware of the Crashgate scandal in 2008. Now, Massa has hinted that perhaps his nationality has been a cause for a lack of support in this lawsuit.

The former Ferrari driver believes that he is the rightful 2008 F1 champion in place of Lewis Hamilton. The Brazilian driver made it clear that his legal fight should be handled fairly, just like how it would’ve been handled if it was Hamilton who had lodged a lawsuit. Massa believed that it was important to have all drivers be treated on an equal basis in F1.

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He told Motorsport.com, “Every driver in Formula 1 must have the same opportunities to compete. Regardless of where you were born. I sincerely hope that this case is not about that, because if there is such a thing, the situation is serious.”

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Moreover, Massa highlighted that many in the paddock do not respect him, perhaps because he is from Brazil. The 42-year-old clarified that he does get respect but hinted that it’s not in the same way as his colleagues. Felipe Massa said, “What I can imagine is that people didn’t look at me in a respectful way. That is the most important thing for me that everyone is respected. I am not saying that I am not respected, but everyone should be respected in the same way.”

Also Read: Felipe Massa asks for Ferrari’s support to overturn Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 Championship triumph

Ferrari yet to support Felipe Massa’s lawsuit

Felipe Massa lost the 2008 world title in the final moments of the season finale at Interlagos. The Brazilian lost the Driver’ title despite having a successful season with Scuderia Ferrari. However, the Italian team clinched the Constructors’ title that year after McLaren was disqualified for the infamous SpyGate scandal. Now, Massa has revealed that Maranello has not supported him in his legal battle so far.

Felipe Massa and Carlos Sainz, 2021 Brazil GP F1 Sprint
Felipe Massa and Carlos Sainz, 2021 Brazil GP F1 Sprint (image via PlanetF1)

The Brazilian driver believed Ferrari was waiting to see how the lawsuit would pan out before making any public comment. This was peculiar as Massa looked for support from his former team. Moreover, Felipe Massa’s Driver’ title would add to the tally of the Scuderia if he does succeed in his legal fight with F1 and the FIA.

It seems that Felipe Massa is largely on his own in his lawsuit over the 2008 F1 championship results. The Brazilian driver has emphasized justice being served. However, the 42-year-old has not gained solid support in the F1 paddock. However, things could change in the coming weeks if Massa’s lawsuit against the pinnacle of motorsport does make progress.

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