by Dunc R » Sun Sep 07, 2008 5:38 pm
Govan Girl bad news re Hamiltons latest win or not in this case:
Hamilton crossed the line first at Spa but was stripped of victory after stewards imposed a 25-second penalty on the McLaren driver.
The reclassified result strips the British driver's lead at the top of the world championship down to only two points with five races of the season remaining.
He had been six points clear going into the Belgian race, which was to prove one of the most dramatic of the season.
The stewards' inquiry was launched after an incident on lap 42 of the 44-lap race.
Two circuits from the end, Hamilton made a move on entry into the Bus Stop chicane, and collided with Kimi Raikkonen as the pair battled for the lead.
That pushed the Briton on to the run-off area and he resumed in the lead.
He then let Raikkonen through, fearing an instant penalty from the race stewards.
However, on reviewing footage of the race they decided to punish Hamilton anyway.
Raikkonen later crashed out as the wet weather took its toll.
The effect of the stewards' decision meant victory was awarded to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, with Nick Heidfeld (BMW) promoted to second place and Hamilton falling to third.