F1 Today: Massa's Legal Battle, Verstappen's Number 3 Ambition, and Sainz's Ferrari Reaction

Felipe Massa's 2008 title dispute is headed for trial, potentially reopening old wounds in Formula 1 history. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is reportedly eyeing the number '3' for his car in 2026, a move that could shake up driver numbers on the grid. And Carlos Sainz is keeping a cool head amid recent critical comments from Ferrari executives, opting for a 'none of my business' approach.

Why it matters:

Massa's legal challenge could set a precedent for historical F1 race results, potentially leading to further scrutiny of past seasons. Verstappen's desire to change his iconic number '1' to '3' highlights the unique freedom reigning champions have within F1's regulations, while also challenging the sport's traditional number allocation. Sainz's calm reaction to Ferrari's internal dynamics offers a glimpse into the emotional resilience required in high-pressure F1 environments, especially for a driver whose future is in flux.

The details:

• Massa's 2008 Title Claim: A High Court judge has ruled that Felipe Massa's case regarding the 2008 F1 Drivers' Championship can proceed to trial. While the judge noted that "the court cannot be asked to rewrite the outcome of the 2008 Drivers' World Championship," Massa could potentially seek damages for lost career opportunities if successful. The FIA, however, has stated they "succeeded" in summary judgment after three of Massa's initial claims were dismissed.
• Verstappen's Number Ambition: Max Verstappen has confirmed his interest in racing with the number '3' in 2026. This would require approval from F1 authorities, as current rules usually mandate a two-year waiting period before a number can be re-adopted by another driver. Daniel Ricciardo, the last driver to use #3, will be short of this two-year window by about six months. However, GPblog has learned that the rule on driver number switching is not entirely set in stone and the waiting period could be waived for Verstappen.
• Sainz on Ferrari Criticism: Carlos Sainz has chosen to remain indifferent to recent critical comments made by Ferrari executive John Elkann regarding Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. When asked by Sky Sports' Ted Kravitz, Sainz referenced the popular "Kermit sipping tea" meme, stating, "That, Ted, is none of my business... You know the meme I'm talking about, that frog with a tea. That's literally me right now." This comes as Sainz navigates his departure from Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season.

The big picture:

These stories underscore the multifaceted nature of Formula 1, extending beyond just on-track competition to include legal battles, unique driver choices, and intricate team dynamics. Massa's ongoing fight for justice from 2008 reminds the F1 community of past controversies that still resonate today. Verstappen's consideration of a number change, despite holding the champion's '1', reflects his personal brand and connection to his racing origins. Meanwhile, Sainz's philosophical response to internal team pressures highlights the human element in a sport often dominated by technical prowess and strategic decisions.

What's next:

Felipe Massa's legal team will now prepare for the trial, which is expected to reignite public debate about the fairness and integrity of historical F1 results. For Max Verstappen, discussions with the FIA and F1 management will determine if he can indeed adopt the number '3' for the 2026 season. As for Carlos Sainz, his focus remains on performing strongly in his final season with Ferrari, while continuing to evaluate his options for 2025 and beyond. These developments will undoubtedly continue to generate buzz as the F1 season progresses.