Raikkonen win stands after F1 probe

For a few short hours there was a chance Hamilton could be awarded the title after the three cars finishing ahead of him were investigated for fuel irregularities.

If stewards had decided to disqualify all three cars it would have elevated Hamilton up to fourth, making him world champion.

But following the investigation, race winner Kimi Raikkonen was confirmed as world champion by one point from Hamilton and McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso.

The investigation related to Williams driver Nico Rosberg, and the BMWs of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld.

Stewards investigated a technical infringement which could have given the cars an advantage.

But after a three-hour hearing, the stewards chose to impose no penalty on either team, ensuring Raikkonen could celebrate the first F1 title of his career.

In their findings, the stewards declared: "There must be sufficient doubt as to both the temperature of the fuel actually on board the car and also as to the true ambient temperature so as to render it inappropriate to impose a penalty."

McLaren has said it will notify world governing body the FIA of its intention to appeal against the stewards' decision in a move that could yet see Hamilton crowned champion.

Hamilton could only finish seventh in Sunday's race after a poor start, hampered by an apparent mechanical problem on lap eight when he dramatically slowed at one point, almost to a stop.