Alexey Popov, the most prominent voice in Russian Formula 1 commentary, has voiced his opinion on the controversial push by Felipe Massa to legally contest Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 world championship victory, calling it unfair to question Hamilton’s rightful claim to the title now.
Massa initiated legal proceedings this week against Formula 1, the FIA, and Bernie Ecclestone, citing grievances over the outcome of the 2008 championship. The Brazilian driver contends that a manipulated crash involving Renault’s Nelson Piquet Jr. during the Singapore Grand Prix deprived him of the crucial point that ultimately cost him the championship in favor of Hamilton.
Popov shared his perspective, stating, “We can say that Felipe is right in some ways. But on the other hand, trying to regain the title now, more than 15 years later, is strange.”
The 2008 season saw Massa driving for Ferrari, with Hamilton as his competitor from McLaren. Popov elaborated on the situation, “If Hamilton’s team had rigged it, it could have been said that they become champions dishonestly. Therefore you could say that they should be stripped of the title. But since they were a third party, I’m not so sure.”
GMM
