Hamilton demoted to third place

Lewis Hamilton was stripped of victory following today’s Belgian Grand Prix after stewards imposed a 25-second penalty on the McLaren driver.

Hamilton had taken the chequered flag after a dramatic conclusion to the race at Spa but a stewards’ inquiry was launched into 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.