Lewis Hamilton has been demoted from first place to third place in the Belgian Grand Prix.

The McLaren ace seized a thrilling victory after an astonishing duel with Ferrari's world champion Kimi Raikkonen over the closing laps.

But his elation turned to heartbreak after stewards imposed a 25-second penalty, with first place given to Felipe Massa Ferrari and Nick Heidfeld of BMW promoted to second.

A stewards' inquiry was launched into an incident on lap 42 of the 44-lap race.

Two circuits from the end, Hamilton made a move on entry into the Bus Stop chicane, and collided with Kimi Raikkonen as the pair battled for the lead.

That pushed the Briton on to the run-off area and he resumed in the lead.

He then let Raikkonen through, fearing an instant penalty from the race stewards.

But on reviewing footage of the race they decided to punish Hamilton anyway.

Raikkonen led until championship leader Hamilton reeled him in on the penultimate lap.

Raikkonen took the lead again before losing control and crashing into a wall.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.