Lewis Hamilton could take Max Verstappen to court over the 2021 Formula 1 world championship.
During what was a dramatic season full of twists and turns, Hamilton and Verstappen went into the last race of the season neck and neck.
In the end, Verstappen managed to overtake Hamilton during the last lap after a hugely controversial call from then-race director Michael Masi.
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Masi decided to only let the lapped cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves, leaving the Dutchman, who was on fresher tyres with a clear run at Hamilton.
Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton has been under pressure from former driver Felipe Massa over the legitimacy of his 2008 world title.
In a recent interview, ex-F1 star Timo Glock has hinted at a potential court battle between Hamilton and Verstappen when speaking about Massa’s case.
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He told Planet F1: “I mean, I’m not 100% sure if it’s the right way to do it, let’s say. I was surprised when I saw it because, you know, after such a long time to go in front of court… I don’t know if it will work out for him. I mean, he knows what he’s doing. He knows the facts, I don’t know the facts, actually, what are the details of it.
“So we will see. In the end, if he makes the step and even wins it, we could see another court facing maybe Lewis Hamilton against Max Verstappen.”
Glock continued: “So I don’t know if it’s the right side for the sport. But, in the end, I’m not in all those details involved. So I don’t know. I was surprised when I saw that.”
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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has already hinted that they could challenge the 2021 title if Massa wins his case.
He said: “It is interesting to follow. It is not something that anybody saw coming because the rules are pretty clear in F1.
“But it will set a precedent — whatever it is — and we’re looking from the sidelines with curiosity.”
F1 will return next weekend with the much-anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Topics: Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen
Marcus Chan