07/09/2008
NEWS STORY
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In a controversial move, Lewis Hamilton has been handed a 25s penalty following today's Belgian GP, thereby handing the victory, and further precious championship points to title rival Felipe Massa.
Following an investigation, Race Stewards adjudged Hamilton to have cut the final chicane before the pit straight on the penultimate lap.
The 25s penalty means that Hamilton drops to third, and Nick Heidfeld is promoted to second.
The decision is sure to be unpopular with many race fans and sections of the media, especially in light of the controversial decision to merely fine Felipe Massa for an incident in the pitlane in Valencia.
In their official report, the stewards ruled that Hamilton had cut the final chicane and gained an advantage, a breach of Article 30.3 (a) of the 2008 FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations and Appendix L chapter 4 Article 2 (g) of the International Sporting Code.
Under Article 16.2 (A) Hamilton would have served a drive-through, had the incident taken place earlier in the race.
The penalty means that with just five race remaining, Hamilton has a two point advantage over Massa.