Felipe Massa on 2008 F1 title: "Drivers silent out of fear. Hamilton will have to speak sooner or later"

Felipe Massa on 2008 F1 title: “Drivers silent out of fear. Hamilton will have to speak sooner or later”. Former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa has once again discussed his legal battle against F1.

Felipe Massa, the Ambassador Bearing Sorrow
In recent months, Felipe Massa’s decision to turn to lawyers to seek justice regarding the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship, particularly the non-cancellation of the Singapore Grand Prix, marred by the Crashgate scandal, has been in the spotlight. The Brazilian’s move comes fifteen years after the incident, driven by Bernie Ecclestone’s statements in early March to the German outlet F1-Insider. In these statements, Bernie Ecclestone claimed that Felipe Massa had been aware of what happened but had acted to protect the sport from a major scandal by pressuring Nelson Piquet Sr. to keep quiet.

Given the ongoing legal dispute, it’s not surprising that Formula 1 has decided to no longer consider Felipe Massa its ambassador. After not receiving invitations to the recent GPs in Monza and Suzuka, the Brazilian is also absent from his home race at Interlagos.

Silent Drivers in Press Conference
During a press conference attended by drivers (Valtteri Bottas, Logan Sargeant, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Carlos Sainz), Felipe Mendes of Estado do SP asked about Felipe Massa’s actions regarding the 2008 World Championship but did not receive substantial responses. Carlos Sainz replied: “I have nothing to say,” while Lewis Hamilton’s response was, “Honestly, it’s something I don’t pay much attention to.” No other driver intervened.

This situation has somewhat disappointed Felipe Massa, as he shared with PlanetF1: “I understand that many people sometimes prefer not to talk and comment. Maybe they are afraid of something, but I have received support from many drivers, even those currently in the paddock. But wherever I go, whether it’s an airport, a restaurant, a shopping center, or a supermarket, I am approached by people who encourage me to continue and fight for justice in the sport.” Massa emphasized that his actions are not directed against Hamilton: “I really like him as a driver, and he is doing a lot for just causes. That’s precisely why, sooner or later, he will have to talk about what happened. I have nothing against him, although we have had no contact on this matter.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.