Sign up or login to track your favorite teams

Sign Up for Bleacher Report

As a registered user you can subscribe to your favorite teams, post comments, write your own articles, and much more.

You must register in order for that functionality to work!







Validating sign up form ...

Bleacher Report articles are written by fans like you

Do you want to cover your favorite sports, teams, and leagues?

Processing writing preferences ...

Great, , you're signed up!

i.e. Big 10, LeBron James, USC Football

Selected Tags:

Logging in ...

Lewis Hamilton has been stripped of his Belgium GP win. The FIA and stewards have handed Hamilton a 25-second penalty, which moves him into third place. Felipe Massa has been confirmed as the winner, with Nick Heidfeld second...

Lewis Hamilton Stripped of Belgium GP Win

by Ryan Wood (Analyst)

77

1118 reads

Breaking News

September 07, 2008


Lewis Hamilton has been stripped of his Belgium GP win.

The FIA and stewards have handed Hamilton a 25-second penalty, which moves him into third place. Felipe Massa has been confirmed as the winner, with Nick Heidfeld second.

Even though Team McLaren contacted Charlie Whiting to see if the move was illegal, and Whiting replied that it was, McLaren has still been demoted to third.

Massa has now gained ground on Lewis' Championship bid, with just two points between them.

McLaren has not yet commented. More to follow!

Expect McLaren to appeal.

**UPDATE**

Mclaren have decided to lodge an official appeal against the stewards decision at todays Belgium GP.

Mclaren have officially said:

"We looked at all our data and also made it available to the FIA stewards," a McLaren spokesperson told Autosport.

 

"It showed that, having lifted, Lewis was 6km/h slower than Kimi as they crossed the start/finish line.

 

"Having passed the lead back to Kimi, Lewis repositioned his car, moving across and behind Kimi to the right-hand line and then outbraked him into the hairpin.

 

"Based on this data, we have no option other than to register our intention to appeal."

 

 

[One Eurostar ticket—£35, One can of Petrol—£10, A box of matches—£0.70, watching the FIA headquarters burn—PRICELESS]...I in no way condone arson*

*however, I make exceptions.

I AM GOING TO COMPILE ALL THE COMMENTS AND SEND THEM TO THE FIA, PLEASE COMMENT!

Track this Article on My B/R
Flag This Article
Share This Article

75 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. Billy Sexton 9 months ago

    sorry mate... i've wrote the same article.

    but still... its f***ing sick. i hate the FIA. i hate ferrari. i can't describe how mad i am. totally disgusted.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Anne Doe 9 months ago

      By all means blame the race stewards, but you can't hate Ferrari for it, because they don't make the decisions.

      Personally, I did actually feel the penalty was unfair.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      Jane, your absolutely right, we cannot blame Ferrari,

      they had no say in the decision, so its not their fault, however they could have the sports best interest in mind and back Mclarens appeal. Its damaging to the sport.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Anne Doe 9 months ago

      I've just changed my mind after seeing it again. Hamilton did actually gain an advantage, because he could either have hit the brakes instead of hitting Kimi and lined up behind him or taken the escape road. He chose option 2 and managed get ahead of Kimi breifly and then he stayed in the Kimsters slipstream, hence, he gained an advantage.

      Kimi didn't shove him off the track (as many people have said) because he was simply on the racing line.

      The reason I still don't think this penalty is fair though, is because it hands Massa an advantage.

      First and foremost, I am a Raikkonen fan, then I'm a Ferrari fan.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  2. Jon Marum 9 months ago

    I cannot believe this, it was a perfectly legitimate pass on kimi, he let him take his place back!!
    whats the problem?? Oh yeah its cos he aint driving a red car i forgot!!

    Im sick of this!!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      Its a disgrace Jon! The pass was legitimate, but to make sure he allowed raikkonen through, and then he's penalised, We need to do something, but what?

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Jon Marum 9 months ago

      and also kimi crashed on the next lap so there any advantage that hamilton supposedly gained was scratched...

      Hamlton would have won regardless cos kimi didnt finish, I just hope that his appeal is successful because this is the most alarming decision in recent years!! Im guessing they want to help ferarri to create a closer title race??

      This stinks! Im still furious!

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  3. Michael Griffin 9 months ago

    I've had enough of this now, the rules clearly state that if u pass through and escape rpute, u let the driver back through and off u go again, kimi passed him and lewis passed him brilliantly at turn one. Kimi passed hi again during the rain spell itself.

    The FIA are taking things too far, it is clearly now a campaign to stop Lewis winning the title.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  4. Daniel Chalmers 9 months ago

    This is a complete utter farce.

    Raikkonen forced Hamilton off the chicane (I think they touched in fact). Hamilton gives the position back fairly then gets penalised.

    I think it's pretty obvious that this is just to help Ferrari.

    The most interesting point is that Charlie Whiting said what Lewis did was perfectly legal and that evidence will form a good appeal at least and this madness may get solved.

    Formula 1 produce a brilliant race and then goes and completely destroys it. If fans want to turn their back on F1 because of this then I can't say I blame them.

    My blood is boiling at this moment in time. I have been on a few forums since the decision and even most avid Lewis haters agree the decision is stupid.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  5. B Cave 9 months ago

    I feel I need to do something - it is so blatantly unfair. Even Ferrari fans are saying so. Charlie Whiting said to Ron Dennis that he shouldn't be penalised because he gave the place back. Does Ross Brawn still think there is no conspiracy?

    What can us F1 fans do? Any suggestions? Is there somewhere we can write? This is a disgrace and absolutely makes a mockery of F1.

    I still claim it's racism and you're welcome to disagree, but whatever the reason, I hope Massa and Ferrari choke on their champagne.

    I wonder if Mosley was involved in the decision. Something very dirty and wrong is going on at the FIA. I would love to see anyone disagree that this a shameful decision, but only the BNP or really sick Hamilton-haters could agree with this one.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Billy Sexton 9 months ago

      its stupid mate... i agree with you

      i dnt think its racism though, the FIA are good at stopping that (pre season test)... i reckon its revenge on mclaren for lasts seasons spygate shiz

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  6. Adam Elliott 9 months ago

    The FIA are scum! Nice to see that the Ferrari of Massa got no time penalty for a far worse infringement yet Hamilton has been penalised once again. If the place is given back, no matter for how brief a time then the result stands. Unless it means that those idiots at Ferrari don't win!

    The FIA and their stewards are scum. And for any of those scum Ferrari fans out there - if your driver was goodenough to keeo his car out of the wall he might have actually been able to win, since he's obviously not the best then don't even bother.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  7. B Cave 9 months ago

    I am writing to the FIA - I suggest all true F1 fans do the same:

    FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L’AUTOMOBILE
    8, Place de la Concorde
    75008 Paris
    FRANCE

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      I am going to compile a list of comments from this and other sites, and send them to the FIA, hopefully show them they are idiots!

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Darren Spooner 9 months ago

      Hello everyone! I must agree, Im fed-up with the FIA, they should get out of Ferrari's arse and start to make their own minds up. The actual reason that lewis was stripped of 1st is this quote from ITV.COM "Hamilton was deemed to have "cut the chicane and gained an advantage", thereby breaching Article 30.3(a) of the sporting regulations and Appendix L chapter 4 Article 2 (g) of the International Sporting Code". I have looked these two articles up on the internet and both say that the race should take part on the track only. So correct me if im wrong but the FIA would have preferred Lewis to have hit Kimi or not to have a race with him at all. And in this case Kimi should be penalised from obviously going well wide on two consecutive laps to maintain speed with lewis?!

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Darren Spooner 9 months ago

      IA, Ferrari's International Assistance.

      To Sign a petition for the FIA to re-instate Lewis's 1st place please go here, http://www.petitiononline.com/belgp08/petition-sign.html

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  8. Daniel Chalmers 9 months ago

    I wonder if one of the stewards was called Enzo again as was the case when Alonso got that penalty in Monza.

    Hamilton let Kimi passed and as the rules say he was allowed to put the hammer down again.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  9. Brian Yuyi 9 months ago

    F! the flippin stewards! Didnt take them long to come to that decision!!! The flippin flippant lot!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  10. Daniel Chalmers 9 months ago

    The Stewards aren't even FIA Stewards apparently.

    I feel sorry for the innocent criminals who have a court case whilst these stupid stewards are called on Jury service.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  11. Jamie Arnold 9 months ago

    Ah well somebody beat me to it... read mine too though :)

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  12. LanceR 9 months ago

    wow..some of the coolest Formula One racing i've seen in years gets short circuited by guys in suits..I'm no Hamilton fan, certainly no Kimi fan(i'm an Alonso guy), but Lewis deserved the win, both guys were doing everything they could to stay in front, don't penalize hamilton because isn't driving for ferrari lol

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  13. Cory Pesaturo 9 months ago

    So you know my position - I would say I am a Ferrari fan.....

    This is THE WORST DECISION SINCE SENNA'S VICTORY in 1989 Was Taken Away in Sazuka which I'm STIIIIIILL Fuming about and will Never stop fuming about. This is Absolutely Unreal, and Really Ferrari Should step up and say "Hey! this is Wrong".

    I want a Fair fight - and Yes, F1/FIA has an Amazing race, and then they DESTROY it - Just like the 2007 Season, an UNREAL Season, was Totally Destroyed. Ferrari would have won by 1 point (rather than an unexciting 100) and it would have been an Even MORE amazing ending in Brazil but NO - the FIA kept that from happening.

    SCREW THE FIA!!!!!!!!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  14. Cory Pesaturo 9 months ago

    Oh - and Bruno Senna's Issue - HOW do you blame the Driver for something they Didn't DO!!!!???? Fine the Team like they did 2 weeks ago with Ferrari, NOT THE DRIVER! How do they do something at the Last race and Change it here...... I know it's GP2 vs. F1 on those 2 incidents but Still.....

    Bruno Senna AND Lewis Hamilton look like they could lose great wins to this Damn FIA.

    2 in One Race Weekend - GEEZ!!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  15. Jon Marum 9 months ago

    And the Massa incident at Valencia? I had forgotten abt that! This really is some kind of campaign to stop Lewis winning. Its getting ridiculous. Will it make it even more satisfying when he eventually wins the championship tho? I think it probably will. Doesn't stop it being incredibly frustrating at the moment tho!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  1. Billy Amann 9 months ago

    I need to voice my opinion on this matter. Lewis In my eyes won fair and square. What the FIA are now saying is that Lewis Hamilton cannot overtake a Ferrari. Hamilton would have collided with Raikkonen had he not cut the chicane, which means that he would have received similar treatment for causing an avoidable collision. Which if my memory serves me right Kovalainen did just that. Footage shows that Hamilton gave the place back, meaning he lifted off the throttle, thus removing any advantage made from cutting the said chicane.

    I find it completely unjustifiable that Ferrari receive a fine for breaking the rules and Mclaren receive a time penalty for "apparently" breaking the rules.

    I either feel that there is racism at play or just plain bias. I really hope its not the former. The FIA has put the sport into disrepute once again, breaking one of their own rules.

    Mistakes are made and can this one can easily be rectified.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      Thanks for your view Billy.

      100% agree, you got the 2 main points in ther, he avoided an avoidable collision by taking action, and he gave the so called advantage gained from cutting the chicane back to Raikkonen.

      Its absurd, I feel as though I need to do something.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  2. Glen Holloway 9 months ago

    Im so damn mad at the moment, as im sure most of us true F1 fans are. Its getting ridiculous, something needs to be done, and fast.
    I was working 2day til 5, so was unable 2 watch the race live, so i set my VCR and managed 2 go the whole day without finding out the result. no mean feat really. I got home and watched 42 laps of what was a fairly decent race, if not spectacular. Followed by 2 laps of quite possibly the most exciting formula 1 action ive seen in over 15 years of following the sport. After watching the race and seeing lewis win i then saw the interview with ron dennis. And then i just knew hed lose the win. And sure enough i turn on my computer and there it is!
    Im sick of this blatant siding with Ferrari (and if u read my article from valencia, u can see where i stand on the subject). its making a farce of our sport. Surley common sense should prevail, hamilton was gonna get past eventually! and Kimi crashed later on the same lap! its just beggers belief. Im utterly fed up, as im sure 99% of us are. there we go i feel slightly better now.
    (oh and cheers for posting this 1st, uve saved my keyboard from even more of a bashing)

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      haha i didn;t want to right an article which was too long, cause my laptop wouldn't have taken any more bashing of the keys.

      Thanks for your view, it seems we have all come to the same conclusion, it was totally unfair, I just hope Mclarens appeal is successful.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  3. Ryan Wood 9 months ago

    Please sign this petition:

    http://www.PetitionOnline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?belgp08

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  4. mark andrew 9 months ago

    Anyway Kimi Raikkonen bloody hit Hamiltons rear going into La Source hairpin after this incident took place , Raikkonen caused Lewis to Run wide at the bus stop chicane so Lewis ( as with Magny - Cours ) avoided an accident by using his brains , and he gets punished again !! He Let Kimi past and then Darted round him , it was a true piece of racing that we would of seen back in the Senna - Prost days , but now coz its lewis they are punishing at every opportunity , if i was lewis id be thinkin bout packing f1 in .

    i am furious and its a downright p i s s take

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  5. Billy Amann 9 months ago

    Like i said before the FIA have brought the sport into disrepute. I cant wait to see the press tomorrow morning. I call for an investigation into the FIA. Racist or Bias? it doesnt matter its completely wrong.

    I was looking through some of the signatures on the petition mentioned above and some one made a nice point of likening the FIA to the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) saying that the FIA is the WWE of F1. This is so true. Either that or they have something against the thought of Lewis Hamilton winning the championship. hmmmm? i wonder why...

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  6. Billy Sexton 9 months ago

    i think that we'll have to accept the decision guys. ok mclaren will appeal and we'll await the outcome but until then just remeber who the rightful winner of the 2008 belgian grand prix was and just remeber:

    "that that doesn't kill you, can only make you stronger."

    Lewis will bounce back and win the championship!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  7. Francois Gendron 9 months ago

    The FIA clearly kisses Ferrari's ass. It has been going on for years now.

    If we reverse the roles in this particular case, Raikkonen would've never been penalized.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      Indeed he wouldn't have!

      The bias is something Mclaren fans are getting used 2, but such blatant bias, is really getting our backs up. No other team suffers like this, why did i choose Mclaren, I swear the stress has knocked 5 years off my life expectancy.

      Of course i dnt doubt my support for Mclaren, I love them.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  8. Andy Liggins 9 months ago

    Such a shame after such a brilliant race. Very unfair decision and I think the FIA need to know how fans feel. Ask Massa if he feels he won the race fairly or not...

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  9. Gemma Chamberlain 9 months ago

    4000+ signatures so far. Not my petition but I feel as strongly as everyone else!

    http://www.petitiononline.com/belgp08/petition.html

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  10. Kieran Fitzpatrick 9 months ago

    I'm not 100% sure what the rules re cutting the chicane are, but I suspect that the rule is that one should not gain an advantage by cutting the chicane, nor should one negate a disadvantage which one would otherwise have suffered if one did not cut the chicane: In this case: if Louis had followed Kimi around the chicane, even just right behind him, Kimi would have accelerated a split second before him, and thus would not have been close enough to Kimi to execute the subsequent overtaking manoeuvre as he did. By tucking right in behind Kimi, as Kimi went past , Louis gained a toe, which he might otherwise not have had available.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  11. Kieran Fitzpatrick 9 months ago

    I'm not 100% sure what the rules re cutting the chicane are, but I suspect that the rule is that one should not gain an advantage by cutting the chicane, nor should one negate a disadvantage which one would otherwise have suffered if one did not cut the chicane: In this case: if Louis had followed Kimi around the chicane, even just right behind him, Kimi would have accelerated a split second before him, and thus would not have been close enough to Kimi to execute the subsequent overtaking manoeuvre as he did. By tucking right in behind Kimi, as Kimi went past , Louis gained a toe, which he might otherwise not have had available.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      but he wasn't behind kimi, he was overtaking, and infact infront of kim at the chicane, Kimi should have left a small gap to avoid a collision, but he didnt so hamilton had to take evasive action.

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  12. Siddharth Reddy 9 months ago

    This has to go down in history as one of the worst decisions ever made by officials of any sport. Everyone knows about FIA's bias against McLaren, but this is taking it to a new level. They might as well hand Ferrari the C'ship before the season even starts. Why have a whole charade of having teams and drivers lining up and competing all over the world when the decisions and results are rigged to favor only the red team?!?!

    Here are the names of the knucklehead stewards who made the horrendous decision today at the Belgian GP. In addition to signing the petition above and writing to the FIA, all fans who believe what happened today was a farce should write to the following administrative bodies voicing their displeasure.

    Nicolas Deschaux, President of the French Motor Sports Federation
    Surinder Thatti, FIA Confederation of African Countries in Motorsport (CACMS)
    Yves Bacquelaine, President of Circuit Spa-Francorchamps, Royal Automobile Club de Belgique

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  13. Cory Pesaturo 9 months ago

    Again, this is from someone who is pretty much Ferrari fan....

    2008 Really Dumb McLaren Penalty #1 - Malaysia, Both Cars Penalized for Blocking
    2008 Really Dumb McLaren Penalty #2 - Lewis runs wide to to avoid a collision, on a pass he was going to make anyway.
    2008 Really Dumb McLaren Penalty #3 - This Thing!!

    Can someone make a blog where people can remember and write down ALL of the dumb FIA moves against McLaren?? Ya know - I'll make it Right Now.

    and don't get me started on Senna yesterday!! He should be Leading the points and instead is 11 behind Just because of This weekend, never mind when he hit the dog, or another undone collision.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  14. Long John Silver 9 months ago

    suits well -

    he ruined our day

    and even the most die hard silver fan cannot disagree

    that he had at least a marginal advantage that enabled him to slipstream Kimster in the straight because of the previous corner cutting

    cheers -

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  15. Long John Silver 9 months ago

    suits him well - makes me sick to my stomach

    he runs into our gearbox in the pitlane in Montreal - with a bone head move

    and now he does this -

    suits him well -

    THROW his OFF the grid

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  1. Long John Silver 9 months ago

    but Ryan

    as always - loved reading the piece ... cheers mate

    4 starz

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Ryan Wood 9 months ago

      Oh jeese, have u read the 50 comments above Long?

      Not one defends this silly penalty, you have the right to voice your opinion, but I have spoken to so many fans, Ferrar fans 2, and they say it is unjust!

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  2. Long John Silver 9 months ago

    at think theres just one thing missing your title

    how about this addition Ryan

    'Lewis Hamilton Stripped of Belgium GP Win, Quite Justifiably So'

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • mark andrew 9 months ago

      But you just contradicted yourself Long ????????

      Montreal im afraid to tell you has no bearing on Spa !!!!!

      What happened to Lewis is a farce and you damn well know it . Stripped of te Race win for ........errrrr RACING !!!!!!

      Kimi PUSHED lewis wide at the Bus stop , he used the escape road !

      He yielded back to Kimi ( the rules state e has to and he did )

      Then he overtakes him again , Fair and square into La Source . absolutly Legitimate move . ( as Michael Griffin once Quoted ) " You Sir Are Scum "

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Long John Silver 9 months ago

      sure

      but that overtaking was facilitated

      by the advantage he gained by cutting in the last corner

      you gotta agree to tht markey

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  3. Sheiban Shakeri 9 months ago

    I said this at the end of last season about Kimi being world champion with that whole "cool fuel" debate and I'll say it again: Let the championship be decided on the track, not in the courtroom.

    That's all I will say about this...

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  4. Adam Amick 9 months ago

    The FIA managed to screw up the best race in recent history. Spa is now my favorite track.

    I've been a little more vocal in my take on the issue:
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/55018-formula-1-lewis-hamiltonmclaren-screwed-again

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  5. Paul 9 months ago

    One point, it may only be a little one, it is however still a point. McLaren fans are up in arms (I most certainly can understand that) They feel that they are the target of a witch hunt (I can also understand that emotion, even if there is no substance to the feeling) McLaren fans are angry (been there done that)
    What I do not understand is why are so many McLaren fans asking for Ferrari fans to be on their side?
    If you can give me one instance, where McLaren fans have said they were upset over a decision against Ferrari, then I will gladly be on the side of McLaren.
    Can clearly see both sides of the argument, I can also see how McLaren fans do no feel it is a fair call. For my part, I watched it once and deleted the race, so I cannot in all honesty give an opinion. It would need to be watched a number of times, before I could say what I think. Sure, McLaren fans are upset that they have been docked a few points, imagine how Ferrari fans feel, when they had a lock on 1st and 3rd.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  6. mark andrew 9 months ago

    Yeah but the weather was to Blame for Ferrari's downfall today they had 1st and 3rd and the weather spoilt that , but the FIA spoilt wat was a Great race , best finish ive seen for a long time , a simple misfortune ( the rain ) and I felt for Kimi , he put in all that hard work for a bit of Water to ruin his day . As we have seen before Lewis managed himself in the wet ( only just today though ) better than anyone else .

    I cant remember any incidents were Ferrari have been punished to the extent that warrants me to be miffed off Paul , If they ever do get unfairly treated then I can guarantee you now I would back their cause just like Mclaren fans want from Tifosi right now .

    This is nothing to do with Ferrari at fault today , this is the FIA ( F**ing International Asses is their name now ) , they are out of order , that lad won fair and square

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

    • Paul 9 months ago

      Mark, my friend, you are not the normal, you are fiercely loyal and I find that a great trait. Most fans would not support such a cause!

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

    • Long John Silver 9 months ago

      MICHAEL - black flag 1994

      Michael - for passing alonso in hungary 2006 - when alonso slowed down

      Monaco 2006 - punish

      Markey - you have a short term memory

      Edit Comment Cancel

      Reply
      Great Comment (
      0
      )

  7. mark andrew 9 months ago

    I am very loyal Paul , but most of all im Loyal to F1 and great racing , I was getting ready to applaud Kimi's win with 4 laps to go , then madness descended , and i do applaud every driver that wins , not just Lewis or Mclaren , ive applauded Kim and Felipe many a time for entertaining me as they win ,

    I want to see every car race toe to toe , If Ferrari ever get punished unfairly ill be with you all , same goes for Renault etc.....

    And your right , im not normal , my mum told me that years ago ......i just never believed her

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  8. Steve Saquella 9 months ago

    I was disgusted when I heard about what had happened. It was probably one of the best F1 races I had ever seen until I heard about this.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  9. Ross Wareing 9 months ago

    Lewis being penalised is an absolutely shocking decision. How can they possibly justify 25 seconds ?

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  10. sim mor 9 months ago

    You're all over-reacting. Watch the footage again!

    Easy points...

    1. Raikkonen pushed Hamilton wide. (legally)
    2. Hamilton should have braked heavily and come back behind Raikkonen.
    3. Instead he cut a corner heavily in order to maintain a pace that put him back with the Finn.
    4. He then eased off, allowing Rakkonen back in front for a few 10ths of a second, before attacking again.

    It would have been raised when making the decision that letting someone back in the lead for a few 10ths of a second before attacking the position again was not tantamount to the advantage gained from making up you're own damn course instead of breaking when squeezed wide. Every driver does this. If you are on racing line then you are able to use it. Hamilton banks on people being intimidated continuously when making moves himself. In this case, he had lost position and was not willing to break to come back in behind and, in the stewards mind, failed to make up for this.

    Almost every FIA decision has gone towards Hamilton in the past... the Alonso incident in 07, the crane incident in 07, the safety car incident causing Webber's out in 07... this is one of, if not THE, first incident than he has arguably been the instigator or cause of and has not gone his way. The result; all of you scream about it!

    I've been watching F1 for over 20 years and have never seen a driver 'give back a position' in the manner in which Hamilton did. As stated, it is EASILY, arguable that letting Kimi pass for the 10ths of a second he did was not enough and this was more than likely raised and agreed to when making the decision.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  11. sim mor 9 months ago

    You're all over-reacting. Watch the footage again!

    Easy points...

    1. Raikkonen pushed Hamilton wide. (legally)
    2. Hamilton should have braked heavily and come back behind Raikkonen.
    3. Instead he cut a corner heavily in order to maintain a pace that put him back with the Finn.
    4. He then eased off, allowing Rakkonen back in front for a few 10ths of a second, before attacking again.

    It would have been raised when making the decision that letting someone back in the lead for a few 10ths of a second before attacking the position again was not tantamount to the advantage gained from making up you're own damn course instead of breaking when squeezed wide. Every driver does this. If you are on racing line then you are able to use it. Hamilton banks on people being intimidated continuously when making moves himself. In this case, he had lost position and was not willing to break to come back in behind and, in the stewards mind, failed to make up for this.

    Almost every FIA decision has gone towards Hamilton in the past... the Alonso incident in 07, the crane incident in 07, the safety car incident causing Webber's out in 07... this is one of, if not THE, first incident than he has arguably been the instigator or cause of and has not gone his way. The result; all of you scream about it!

    I've been watching F1 for over 20 years and have never seen a driver 'give back a position' in the manner in which Hamilton did. As stated, it is EASILY, arguable that letting Kimi pass for the 10ths of a second he did was not enough and this was more than likely raised and agreed to when making the decision.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  12. Gary Chamberlain 9 months ago

    Yesterdays incident was all about split second decisions it is all well and good bleating over who is right and wrong basically Lewis and Maclaren based their decisions on what is in the rule book and that is to give the lead back. Lewis won the race by driving his car better than others there was no deliberate plan to cheat. In order to hit back then pressure should be mounted from outside and those that put so much money into the sport e.g Sponsors and broadcasters the FIA are not bothered about F1 fans they will only come to some sense when the pocket is affected.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  13. SAIL 9 months ago

    HAM. HAS GOT WHT HE DESERVED.......I THINK STEWARD HAS TAKEN THD RITE DECISION....MASSA DESEVES TO WIN THD CHAMP....MASSA THD1 ....RACE IS ON BABY....HAM WATCH OUT MASSA IS GOING TO KICK UR ASS.....MASSA THD1

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  14. Cory Pesaturo 9 months ago

    Yes your right. We NEED to send petitions to the Sponsors of some sort - You've got to hit them in the Pocket, because they Only listen to the pocket.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  15. Philip Schubert 9 months ago

    This was a most ridiculous decision and the Stewards who made it should be dismissed and forever excluded from any and all positions whose view could in any way affect the result of any race at any level anywhere. I am now leaning towards agreeing with the ever increasing number of F1 fans who strongly believe that Ferrari enjoy a different standard of what constitutes a rule infringement and penalty severity than the other Teams (particularly McLaren). I have read a history of infringements and the resulting penalties given that appear to support this opinion. This history was compiled by a McLaren fan but did fit with my memory recollections. Would like to read a history compiled by a Ferrari fan to help balance any haziness my memory may be suffering. It would be even better if someone could post a factual account of infringements and penalties handed down, including whatever influence penalty had on Drivers and Team Championships, over say the last 5 seasons. Any takers?

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  1. Lawrence Robinson 9 months ago

    I have been an F-1 fan in the US for 32 years, most of which were without benefit of live TV coverage of any races.
    Watching F-1 races for the past 10 years, the pro-Ferrari bais of the FIA is blatantly obvious.
    The penalty against Hamilton at Spa is too much. If the governing body allows this "joke" to stand then I am done with F-1. It is no longer a sport but a Ferrari exhibition. If the team can't win on the road then it will "use the rules" to steal a win.
    Ferrari drivers get away with everything while their competition, chiefly McLaren, get nailed for everything and anything that will swing results in Ferrari's favor.
    Spa has become the tipping point.

    Lawrence Robinson
    Salisbury Maryland USA

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  2. Tony Grainger 9 months ago

    Spygate 2007 ... in the main 1 ferrari man, 1 mcclarran man - mcclarren team fined $100,000,000 and disqualified as a team, ferrari fined $0.
    Hamilton comes 7th in last race of 2007 year, thereby losing championship - 2 cars in front found to fuel issues outside of limitations - no point penalties given thereby ensuring hamilton doesnt get the chamionship
    Hamilton crashes in pits - clear accident after not seeing red light - put him and raikannon out f race - 10 place penalty in next race for hamilton for unsafe practice in pit lane.
    Massa team lets him out into oncoming traffic and he does well to avoid an accident - penalty of 10,000euros.
    In same race Raikannon leaves pit with fuel hose still attached, light system clearly showed lights not gone to green - wasn't that unsafepractice in pits? - no penalty!
    ... and now this.
    I'm sure there are many other incidents of inequality in decision making by the FIA that infers a distinct pro-farrari bias, and severe anti-mcclarren bias ... it makes me want to switch off!
    In my view there is no man in the F1 circuit with greater ethics than Ron Dennis, the FIA would do well to learn!

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

  3. Neal Young 9 months ago

    The truth is, Hamilton is a really bad driver who has been getting away with all kinds of under handed and mindless driving. He is lucky to start his f1 career with the fastest car in the field. He gets to push, bump, and bully every other car out of the way like a bull in a china shop. If he had to drive a second tier car to prove his worth like everybody else, we wont be talking about this incident. If his driving style continues to be condoned, F1 might as well become NEXTEL Cup. Why even have a chicane, if you get to drive right through it? Except for Hamilton himself, no other F1 driver is complaining about FIA decision. That says something.

    Edit Comment Cancel

    Reply
    Great Comment (
    0
    )

Leave a Comment

  • You must register to post a comment.

    • Want to write for Bleacher Report

    We are a community of fans who write about sports. And we're growing.

    Learn More and Sign Up »

    Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
    Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.