Raikonnen vs Hamilton Belgian Grand Prix 2008

Published: 254 days ago

Category: 2008, Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, McLaren

Description:

Controversial Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps

The Most Talked About Manoeuvre of 2008

One of the biggest talking points of the 2008 F1 season was the climax of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps.

Going into the closing laps Hamilton was 1.5 seconds adrift of Raikkonen and it looked like Raikkonen’s race. But when the rain started falling, the Ferrari tyres started to lose grip and Raikkonen lost confidence and started braking earlier.

Hamilton had to take avoiding action going into the Bus stop chicane and what started as an avoiding action Hamilton the racer tried to turn it into a manouvre only he ran out of road and went across the kerb, thereby gaining an advantage.

He knew this to be illegal so immediately gave the position back to Raikkonen again. But immediately he swung to other side of the Ferrari and dived down the inside into La Source.

And therein lies the question. Did he really give the position back?

The stewards obviously thought otherwise and although Raikkonen stuck it in the wall and Hamilton went on to win. Later that evening, the stewards stripped Hamilton of his win by giving him a 25 second penalty thereby demoting him to 3rd.

A later appeal by McLaren against the penalty was lost. The stewards decision stood.

One of the best battles of season by two of the greatest current F1 drivers, but it left a sour taste in the mouth.