"Hill reignites Massa debate: Hamilton’s 2008 title in question"

Speaking on the High Performance podcast, the 2021 Abu Dhabi F1 title showdown between Max Verstappen and Hamilton was a topic the panel touched on.

As Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton arrived in Abu Dhabi, both were level on points. As the race progressed it seemed like the title would go the then Mercedes driver's way after a controversial move on lap 1 at Turn 7 got him the lead.

However, in the dying moments of the race, a highly discussed decision to allow only some backmarkers to unlap and the Safety Car to be brought in on the same lap, Verstappen on fresh softs, was able to overtake a Hamilton on old hards for the lead and ultimately the championship.

Hill jerks his memory, and going looking back on Hamilton's career believes that the current Ferrari driver 'perhaps' should've taken the title in 2021.

“That eighth title that did not happen, perhaps should have happened,” he said. But regarding 2008, his mind swings the other way: “But on the other hand, perhaps he should have lost [in 2008] with Felipe Massa."

Since last year the Brazilian former F1 driver has taken his title claim to court, hoping to be recognised as world champion and seeking monetary compensation for having lost the title in alleged contentious circumstances.

However, for the former F1 champion, the numbers game still results in 8 ultimately

“But I think he should have won in his first year as well,” he said, referring to 2007, when Hamilton made his debut for McLaren and immediately proved being able to challenge two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, with the title slipping away as he drifted off onto the then gravel trap on the outside of the pit entry.

Still on the topic of Abu Dhabi, Hill then measured Hamilton and found him to be passionate and 'naturally gifted'.

After complimenting Hamilton, the former F1 champion compared the 'much more aggressive' Verstappen to the Briton: “I think it’s mainly personality differences between them. Lewis was able to compete from the start, just like Max.