Hamilton’s mess hands title to Massa

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa is declared the winner of the race after McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton was penalised for cutting a vital corner on the track.

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was declared the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix after McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton was penalised for cutting a vital corner on the track in a thrilling, late duel with world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

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Hamilton crossed the line with an edge of 14.4 seconds over Massa in a dramatic race after Raikkonen had crashed into the barrier, but the British driver was penalized with 25 seconds for his illegal maneuver.

FIA said in a statement that Hamilton “cut the chicane and gained an advantage” which quickly allowed him to take the lead from Raikkonen in the rain-splashed finale run on dry tires by most drivers.

The penalty demoted Hamilton to third place.

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