Timo Glock, a former Formula 1 driver, has stated that Felipe Massa’s legal dispute over the 2008 world championship may have a negative impact on Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the championship in 2021.
Following remarks made regarding the crashgate scandal by former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Massa filed a lawsuit against the FIA and F1 officials.
According to Ecclestone, he and FIA chairman Max Mosley were aware of Renault’s misconduct at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix prior to an investigation, but they chose to overlook it to prevent a scandal within the sport.
These remarks incited Massa to take action because, in his opinion, the outcome might have been void if the incident had been looked into earlier.
By a single point, Lewis Hamilton went on to win the world championship that season.
Glock has now stated that Verstappen’s controversial first trophy could be directly impacted by the resolution of this legal challenge.
Up in the dock
During the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen passed Hamilton on the final lap to win the 2021 championship.
Although the race had a thrilling finish, the FIA later acknowledged that lapped cars were informed they could pass the safety car due to “human error” on the part of race director Michael Masi, which left Verstappen directly behind Hamilton on new tires.
Massa’s legal challenge, according to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, will “set a precedent” for future legal disputes involving contentious world championship titles. Glock now appears to concur.
“Well, it’s a good question. I mean, I’m not 100% sure if it’s the right way to do it, let’s say,” he told PlanetF1.
“I was surprised when I saw it because, you know, after such a long time to go in front of court.
“I’m not sure whether it will be beneficial for him. He really is skilled at what he does. He is aware of the facts, whereas I am not aware of the specifics.
“Well, we’ll see. If he successfully advances and even prevails, we might witness Lewis Hamilton versus Max Verstappen on a different court.
Therefore, I’m not sure if it’s the appropriate side for the sport. However, I’m not ultimately involved in all those specifics. Thus, I’m not sure. I was taken aback upon seeing that.”
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