Lewis Hamilton is currently experiencing the most difficult period of his 16-year-long F1 career. However, one mustn’t forget that this same British driver was the cause of envy for every driver on the grid. In fact, Hamilton became the cause of envy from his very first F1 race, where he finished on the podium. In his second and championship-winning season, Hamilton touched new heights with McLaren and showcased his true racing mettle. This is when, among his 103 race wins, Hamilton drove the best race of his career.

Hamilton won the first of his seven championships in 2008. During that season, the McLaren was one of the most dominant cars on the grid, with Ferrari close second. In fact, Ferrari was so close in second that Felipe Massa, who finished second in the championship, is still contesting the championship because of the Crashgate controversy. However, snubbing Massa, Hamilton recently revealed to Motorsport-Nextgen his love for the 2008 British GP, the best race of his career.

“The conditions were so difficult because the F1s had so much aquaplaning,” Hamilton said.“Especially going towards Abbey, I just remember every time I managed to get past it without getting out like the others, I could see the fans sitting in the rain getting up.” (Translated via Google)

“And I knew they were with me, clinging to their seat like I was at the wheel. Sometimes I was 5 or 6 seconds a lap faster, it was crazy! It was for me, at least up to that point, the greatest race I’ve ever done,” he concluded.

Read More: Felipe Massa Questions Lewis Hamilton’s Motivation While Assessing Retirement Options

Five or six seconds a lap faster under rainy conditions is unheard of in modern-day F1. This clearly showcases the superiority of Hamilton. However, sadly, it is marred by controversy now. Let us tell you about “crashgate.”

The controversy that Felipe Massa is using to strip Lewis Hamilton of his first championship

Back in 2008, a disgruntled Fernando Alonso joined Renault from McLaren following his disagreements with Hamilton. During the 2008 Singapore GP, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore ordered Alonso’s’ teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. to crash. This crash saw Alonso take the race win, which cost Massa valuable points as a botched pitstop behind the safety car saw him finish P13 from the lead.

This incident had a significant impact on the championship, as Massa finished a point behind Hamilton in the final standings. This incident was brought to light by former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Since its revelation, Massa has made several appeals to see the incident investigated and Hamilton’s championship revoked.

WATCH THIS STORY: Felipe Massa’s Attempt to Take Back the 2008 F1 Championship Explained

Weeks after his accusation and desire to contest the championship, we haven’t seen any progress. However, that is life in Formula 1, full of controversy and drama, which sometimes cost drivers a championship.