Hamilton Clinches 2008 F1 Title in Thrilling Brazilian GP Finale

Seventeen years ago, the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix delivered one of Formula 1's most dramatic season finales, with Lewis Hamilton securing his maiden world championship in a race that went down to the wire against local hero Felipe Massa.

Why it matters:

The 2008 season finale is etched in F1 history as a testament to the sport's unpredictable drama. Hamilton's last-gasp championship win not only launched his legendary career but also highlighted the razor-thin margins that often decide titles, making it a pivotal moment for both drivers and their respective teams, McLaren and Ferrari.

The Details:

• Pre-Race Scenario: Heading into the final race, Hamilton held a seven-point lead over Massa. Massa needed to win and Hamilton to finish sixth or lower to claim the title.
• Qualifying: Massa took pole position, while Hamilton started fourth.
• Race Start: The race began in wet conditions, with both contenders maintaining their positions initially.
• Mid-Race Drama: Hamilton lost positions during the switch to dry tires but recovered. Massa maintained a strong lead, looking set for the win.
• Late Rain: Rain returned on lap 66, forcing most drivers, including the title contenders, to pit for wet tires.
• Glock's Gamble: Timo Glock stayed out on slick tires, creating a crucial variable. Hamilton, running in fifth, briefly dropped to sixth after Sebastian Vettel overtook him at the penultimate corner, putting Massa in a virtual championship-winning position.
• Final Lap Turnaround: On the final lap, Hamilton passed Glock, who was struggling on slicks, at the penultimate corner. This move secured him fifth place, giving him the championship by a single point.
• Massa's Heartbreak: Massa crossed the finish line first, celebrating what he believed was a championship victory, only for the news of Hamilton's pass to come moments later.

Between the lines:

While the on-track drama was undeniable, the shadow of the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'Crashgate' scandal continues to linger. Felipe Massa has consistently argued that the deliberate crash by Nelson Piquet Jr. at Singapore unfairly influenced the championship outcome, as it deprived him of crucial points. He has sought legal action to nullify that race, claiming it cost him the 2008 title, which was decided by just one point.

What's next:

The legal battle surrounding the 2008 'Crashgate' scandal has intensified, with Massa and his legal team pursuing the FIA, FOM, and Bernie Ecclestone. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for how historical race results and championship standings are viewed, potentially reshaping the narrative of one of F1's most iconic seasons.