A few days ago, Felipe Massa had called on Lewis Hamilton for help in the legal battle pursued by his team of lawyers regarding the outcome of the 2008 Formula 1 championship. However, the British driver has politely declined the request. The seven-time world champion has no intention of focusing on events from fifteen years ago, let alone assisting his former rival. Instead, he aims to shift the attention to the upcoming weekend in Singapore.
“If this is the direction Felipe wants to take, it’s his decision,” the British champion told the media ahead of the Singapore weekend – “I prefer not to dwell on the past. Whether it’s 15 years ago, two years ago, or three days ago, I’m only interested in the present. My focus is on helping my team this week.”
The major topic that has been discussed in the paddock for weeks now originated from the words of former FOM CEO Bernie Ecclestone. He admitted to being aware, along with then FIA president Max Mosley, of Renault’s plan to allow Alonso to win the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix in 2008.
From there, Felipe Massa and his team of lawyers have decided to embark on a legal battle to overturn the outcome of a championship they claim was manipulated, even threatening to take the federation to court.
After seeking help from Ferrari, the former Brazilian driver also appealed to Lewis Hamilton’s sportsmanship, through the words of his lawyer Bernardo Viana: “We absolutely have nothing against Hamilton. He is an important ambassador for the sport and has always defended sporting integrity. He is also an honorary Brazilian citizen and is very beloved here in our country. I genuinely hope he will support us.”
This prediction appears to be incorrect, as Lewis Hamilton is solely focused on the track. Right on the circuit that caused chaos in Formula 1 fifteen years ago, the Englishman believes he has a good chance for the weekend.
“It’s not a track where we have done very well in recent years, although I have had some victories here. I am still confident. We just need to optimize every session and work together as a team. I expect the Red Bulls to be very fast here.”
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