Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, has expressed concerns that the world of Formula 1 would be thrown into chaos if Felipe Massa succeeds in his case to have Lewis Hamilton's 2008 title overturned. Massa is seeking to strip Hamilton of his first championship due to the infamous Singapore Grand Prix that year, where Nelson Piquet Jr. intentionally crashed to help his teammate, Fernando Alonso, win the race.
Wolff doubts that Massa will win his case
Felipe Massa is determined to have Hamilton stripped of his championship title
Massa believes that Formula 1 and the FIA failed to act in a timely manner to rectify the outcome of the race, arguing that it cost him the championship, which he lost to Hamilton by a mere point. During last week's Singapore Grand Prix, Wolff revealed that Mercedes was closely monitoring Massa's legal action, hinting at potential repercussions for the controversial outcome of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Hamilton lost the title to Max Verstappen.
However, following the race on Sunday, Wolff cast doubt on Massa's chances of success. He stated, "I don't think he has a case, to be honest. We abide by the sporting regulations, which are very clear, and as a license holder, you commit to them. If everyone were to challenge past situations, it would throw the sport into disarray, especially when considering the complete championships."
Wolff contemplates potential damages in a civil case
Wolff went on to add, "There are numerous factors that influence whether you win or lose, so I don't see the basis for Massa's case, to be honest. As for any potential damages in a civil case, I'm unsure. We'll have to assess whether there are any claims that can be made. It's like watching a soap opera unfold before my eyes."
Verstappen unfazed by end of winning streak
Max Verstappen, on the other hand, remains unperturbed after his ten-race winning streak came to an end in Singapore. He is now eagerly anticipating getting back on the podium this week at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver remarked, "I always knew this day would come, so I'm absolutely fine with it. Things need to be perfect. Everyone always claims, 'Oh, they're so dominant, and it's so easy for them.' But it's never easy; there are countless details that we need to get right. Unfortunately, this weekend, we missed a few things, and that put us on the back foot."
