Massa personally congratulates Hamilton!

In tears, but a good loser. These are the words that would best describe Felipe Massa. The Ferrari driver, 2008 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship runner-up, made a point of personally congratulating Lewis Hamilton on his first title.

The Brazilian believed he had achieved his dearest dream by winning the Brazilian Grand Prix and consequently the 2008 driver’s title, but fate decided otherwise. Hamilton managed to fight until the last corner and overtook Timo Glock on the final lap to recover the 5th position he needed to be titled instead of Massa.

« I want to say to Hamilton, and to his father, that he deserved the title, » Massa told the Gazetta dello Sport.

« I made sure to watch the replay of the race on TV: During his last lap, Lewis was unlucky, he locked up his wheels, and Vettel got through, » he added, also dismissing any conspiracy between Glock and the McLaren team to let Hamilton through.

The president of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, believes that Massa’s defeat will have positive effects on his character, making him even stronger next year.

« I didn’t see, at the time, the overtaking maneuver. I didn’t think it was Glock but rather a backmarker. »

« My pain was great for Massa because he had a perfect race. He was strong, fair, and good, » commented the Italian.

« This kind of experience makes your life better. He will be an even more talented driver for Ferrari in 2009. »