F1 Round Up: Massa starts legal fight over '08, Hulkenberg impresses, Elliott backs Russell

Felipe Massa starts legal proceedings for '08 title loss

Felipe Massa is seeking substantial compensation from F1 authorities for an alleged "conspiracy" that denied him the 2008 title.

Lawyers representing the former Ferrari driver sent a formal 8-page notice before potential legal action to current F1 and FIA heads.

The notice claims Massa lost tens of millions of euros in earnings due to the conspiracy.

This follows controversial comments by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone earlier this year admitting he knew of Nelson Piquet Jr.'s deliberate crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix but did not act at the time.

When asked about his quotes by Reuters, Ecclestone claimed he did not "remember any of this."

The crash cost Massa vital points as Lewis Hamilton ultimately edged the championship by a single point that year.

Massa's lawyers argue he is the "rightful 2008 Driver's Champion," and are demanding financial damages expected to exceed tens of millions of euros.

They also want formal recognition from F1 authorities that Massa should have won the 2008 title.

The lawyers warned they will commence legal proceedings in English courts if left unsatisfied by the response to their notice from F1 and the FIA.

Hulkenberg impresses in F1 comeback with Haas

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner admits he wondered how long it would take Nico Hulkenberg to readapt to life as a full-time F1 driver after spending three seasons as a reserve and substitute.

However, Hulkenberg impressed immediately upon his return, with Steiner saying appreciatively that "he was there from day one."

Steiner praised the highly experienced German's speed in getting up to pace, strong work ethic, and the way he integrated into the team.

Expanding further on Hulkenberg's swift adaptation, Steiner said, "He surprised me how quick he was on the ball, how quick he was integrated within the team. It was quite amazing."

He highlighted how Hulkenberg quickly built strong relationships and an understanding of the long-term nature of improving Haas' fortunes.

Steiner believes Hulkenberg's six Q3 qualifying appearances in the first half of 2022 prove he has had no issues readapting despite his multi-year absence from a full-time seat.

Mike Elliott backs struggling Russell to bounce back

Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott has backed talented young Briton George Russell to overcome his recent struggles and regain his form.

While veteran teammate Lewis Hamilton has already reached four podium finishes in 2022, Russell has managed just one top-three result so far this season.

Russell has been open about not feeling fully comfortable with the current W14 car. "When you're on the right foot, things are a little bit easier.

You're not stressing, your car is in the right place when you put it on the ground," Russell admitted.

Elliott expressed sympathy for Russell's difficulties, noting that the current generation of F1 cars are extremely challenging to drive on the limit.

"I think these cars are hard to drive and they’re running close to the ground," Elliott analyzed.

"George is a fantastic driver so I’m sure he’ll get what he needs to get out of the car fairly quickly."

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff agreed with Elliott's assessment, stating that drivers can quickly lose confidence in the unpredictable 2022 cars.