Hamilton protest thrown out

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Formula One driver on Monday spent five and a half hours at an FIA International Court of Appeal hearing in Paris hoping the decision of the stewards to demote him from race winner to third on the back of the 25-second penalty would be overturned.

Hamilton, perhaps unsurprised at the verdict, said: "People will probably expect me to be depressed about the result, but that isn't me. All I want to do now is put this matter behind me and get on with what we drivers do best - racing each other."

He added: "We're racers, we're naturally competitive and we love to overtake. Overtaking is difficult, and it feels great when you manage to pull off a great passing manoeuvre.

"If it pleases the spectators and TV viewers, it's better still. So I'm disappointed, yes, but not depressed."

The incident in question occurred at the end of lap 42 of the 44-lap race at Spa when Hamilton cut a chicane, gaining an advantage on reigning world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Although the 23-year-old immediately allowed Raikkonen by to regain his lead, Hamilton surged past the Finn at the subsequent La Source hairpin before going on to take the chequered flag.

However, within minutes of the race concluding, the race stewards confirmed an investigation into the matter that led to them making their judgment two hours later.

The situation appeared wholly unsatisfactory, and resulted in a number of motor-racing personalities pouring scorn on the outcome.

Three-time former world champion Niki Lauda derided it as "the worst decision in the history of the Formula One".