F1 chiefs launch Hamilton driving probe

Lewis Hamilton's hopes of becoming Formula One's first rookie world champion could suffer a blow after an investigation was launched into his driving at last weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old McLaren rookie, who picked up ten points after taking the chequered flag at the Fuji Speedway, is being probed for his role in the crash that forced Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel out of the race.

Webber was behind Hamilton in second place during a second safety car period after the World Drivers' Championship leader Fernando Alonso had crashed into a safety barrier on lap 42 and scattered debris all over the track.

Third-placed man Vettel ran his Toro Rosso into the back of Webber's Red Bull three laps later, putting both drivers out of the race and drawing an angry reaction from the Australian.

Although the incident was missed on TV, it is believed new evidence has come to light which is claimed to show Hamilton pulling over to the right-hand side of the track and decelerate, forcing Webber to slow down and catching Vettel unaware.

If found guilty, Hamilton faces a ten-place grid penalty for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, but there is the possibility he could lose the points he won in Japan which would see his lead over Alonso drop back to just two points.

An FIA official said: "We understand the stewards of the meeting have received new evidence and are looking into the relevant matter.

"It would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this particular stage, in particular as to what penalty, if any, might be imposed."

As things stand Hamilton is on course to wrap up the World Drivers' Championship title in Shanghai this weekend as long as he finishes ahead of McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso in Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.

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