
Ecclestone: Hamilton only won first title because Massa was 'cheated' - Schumacher is real record holder
F1 News
Ecclestone: Hamilton only won first title because Massa was 'cheated' - Schumacher is real record holder

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has claimed the Crashgate scandal in 2008 should have resulted in Michael Schumacher remaining as the record holder for most championship victories.
The Singapore Grand Prix that year was won by Fernando Alonso after Renault team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr crashed and triggered a safety car, playing into the hands of the Spaniard's pit strategy during the refuelling era.
But it later transpired that Piquet Jr crashed deliberately on instruction of the team, tarnishing the reputation of team boss Flavio Briatore and other members of the Enstone-based outfit's hierarchy.
The race saw Ferrari driver Felipe Massa lose valuable points in the safety car chaos when driving from his pit box with the fuel hose still attached.
READ MORE: Zak Brown takes fresh swipe at Red Bull over F1 budget cap breach

In his documentary, 'Lucky', Ecclestone explains the Crashgate saga and why earlier action should have resulted in Lewis Hamilton being denied a first world title.
"Max Mosley (then FIA President) and I were informed during the 2008 season about what had happened in the Singapore race," said Ecclestone.
"Piquet Jr had told his father Nelson that he had been asked by the team to deliberately drive into the wall at a certain point to trigger a safety car phase and thus help his team-mate Alonso.

"Piquet Jr was afraid for his contract extension, so he was under a lot of pressure and agreed.
"We decided not to do anything for the time being. We wanted to protect the sport and save it from a huge scandal.
"That's why I also spoke with the tongues of angels to my former driver Nelson Piquet to stay quiet for the time being."
On Hamilton's first title being presented under a cloud, Ecclestone added: "There was a rule at the time that a world championship ranking was untouchable after the FIA awards ceremony at the end of the year.
"So Hamilton was presented with the World Championship trophy and everything was fine."
Why Massa should have been awarded the title

"We had enough information in time to investigate the matter," explained Ecclestone.
"According to the statutes, however, we would have had to cancel the race in Singapore under these conditions.
"That means it would never have taken place for the world championship standings. Then Felipe Massa would have become world champion and not Lewis Hamilton."
"I still feel sorry for Massa today.
"He won his final at his home race in Sao Paulo, did everything right. He was cheated out of the title he deserved, while Hamilton had all the luck in the world and won his first championship.
"Today I would have handled it differently. That's why, for me, Michael Schumacher is still the sole record world champion. Even if the statistics say otherwise."
READ MORE: Hakkinen: Only 'something supernatural' can beat Verstappen
Related news

Hamilton in DREAMLAND after company he owns reaches '$100 million' mark

Wolff rejects rule change that would 'RUIN' F1 despite Mercedes benefit

Verstappen CHEEKY to Hamilton as Ferrari RAIDS Red Bull for talent and Norris gets first taste of Vegas – GPFans F1 Recap

Verstappen in CHEEKY dig at Hamilton amid Ferrari rumours
Most read

F1 drivers' penalty points: Who is close to a ban?

Mercedes ECSTATIC with new Red Bull info after Monaco Grand Prix

Verstappen and Hamilton run each other OFF as Red Bull star left MOANING and Vettel returns to Aston Martin - GPFans F1 Recap

Leclerc drops BOMBSHELL over Ferrari contract talks

Ricciardo sets date for F1 RETURN after Red Bull hiatus
F1 Standings

Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
-
Grand Prix of Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Grand Prix of Brazil 2023
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860