Lewis and Felipe: their greatest hits
Rewind to 2008, and the last lap of the last race of the season in Brazil. You know the one, when Massa beats Lewis and thinks he’s clinched the title, only for Lewis to squirm around Timo Glock at the final corner, earning a crucial extra point and – more importantly – sneaking the F1 world championship. The TV cuts to the Ferrari garage and an orgy of hugs… before they realise their boy hasn’t won a thing. The smiles are wiped. Someone punches something. A new rivalry is born.
It simmered gently for a while, but since the Monaco GP earlier this year, the bubbles have gotten bigger. And yesterday in India, they boiled right over the top. Here’s how it’s unfolded over the season…
Track 1, Monaco: Lewis tries to pass Felipe up the inside of the Loews Hairpin. They tangle. Lewis gets a drive-through, and a further 20-second penalty after clashing with Maldonado later in the race. Massa accuses Hamilton of over-aggression. “What he did today was unbelievable,” he said. “Not just with me, but with other drivers as well. He needs to be penalised again and in a good way – otherwise he doesn’t learn.” Hamilton said his punishment was “An absolute frickin’ joke.” Asked why, he replied – in jest – “Maybe it’s because I’m black. That’s what Ali G says.” Track 2, Silverstone: They clash on the last corner of the last lap. Lewis loses a bit of wing, but squeezes past to take fourth place by 0.024secs. Hamilton tries some more post-race comedy. “I’ve got a platinum card for the stewards so I expect to be there,” he said. “I’m actually going to go straight to the stewards and just sit there and wait rather than go back and come back.” Massa shrugged it off. Neither was punished. Track 3, Singapore: Lewis forces past Massa in qualifying. “I didn’t understand what he wanted to do,” said Massa. “I think he didn’t use his mind. Again.” Hamilton reckons Felipe was just going too slow. “I was trying to get past and he was blocking, blocking, blocking,” he said. “Eventually I got past and my lap was pretty good,” Track 4, Singapore (reprise): In the race, they tangle again. This time the stewards side with the Brazilian, and Lewis is handed a drive-through. In the interview scrum after the race, Felipe slaps Lewis hard on the back, right in front of the cameras. “Good job, man,” said Massa. “Don’t touch me, man,” said Lewis. Genders are confirmed. Things warm up nicely. Track 5, Japan: This time they clip wings thought the chicane. The stewards can’t decide who’s to blame. Massa can. “I think the footage speaks for itself,” he said. Hamilton escapes punishment. “There was no bad intention towards Felipe,” he said. “I’ve got the utmost respect for him.” Things cool down a bit. Track 6, India. Lewis gets a good run up the inside of Felipe into a rapid left-hander. Then, depending how you view it, either a) Lewis put his car in a dangerous spot, or b) Massa turned in on him. Either way, they hook wheels and spin off. Mr Bean is in the McLaren garage. He swears. Then Massa clatters a high kerb and breaks his suspension. Asked what the hell’s going on, Massa says “It seems it’s some sort of fatal attraction.” So have we got the next big F1 grudge match on our hands? “Maybe for him”, said Massa. “In all these incidents, it’s him who’s touched my car. I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t have anything against him. Nothing. Zero.” What do you think? Who’s the goodie? Who’s the baddie? Or is it all just a load of overhyped nonsense? Let’s put it to the court of TopGear.com. Present your cases below…
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