In what were probably the most exciting closing laps of a Grand Prix in recent Formula One history, Lewis Hamilton seized victory from Kimi Raikkonen only to be denied the top spot by race officials and relegated to third place. Raikkonen had taken the lead just moments from the start and held it for pretty much the whole race. Given his recent results and his points deficit to team mate, Massa and Mclaren rivel Hamilton, a win was much needed for Kimi. With just two laps to go Hamilton narrowed the Finn’s almost two second lead to just half a second then a dogfight between the Ferrari and Mclaren broke out. Hamilton made a move to pass Raikkonen on the outside going into the chicane before the start finish-line, but the Finn held firm and Hamilton was forced wide and had to cut the corner, gaining position. (Hit the jump for more…)

Hamilton gave up the place then re-attacked immediately. He made the pass that was so close the cars brushed. Raikkonen returned the attack then both of them tangled with back markers. Raikkonen got the jump with a daring pass on the outside in the runoff area. He then spun on the now damp track. Hamilton re-took the lead. Raikkonen went back on the attack but with the rain actually now making the track too slick for the dry tires both cars were running, Kimi put his Ferrari into the wall. And all this happened within the second to last lap! Awesome!

Meanwhile, Sebastian Bourdais and Fernando Alonso were battling it out for third place while Nick Heidfeld, who’d pitted for intermediates had been slicing through the field. While Bourdais and Alonso were fighting amongst themselves and Hamilton was taking the checkered flag, Heidfeld took third spot. In F1, though, it ain’t over until the fat lady, or at least the race officials sing, and they penalized him 25 seconds for cutting the chicane when he was battling Raikkonen, even though he did cede the place. So Massa earned the first place, Heidfeld second and Hamilton third. The points shortened Hamilton’s lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to just two points over Massa. Mclaren plan on appealing the decision, so we’ll see on that. Full race details, points standings and commentary are over at [Formula1.com]