London, Sept.10 : Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton has appealed against being stripped of victory in the Belgium Grand Prix. Hamilton was demoted to the third spot after stewards ruled that he had gained an unfair advantage by cutting the chicane at the Spa circuit on Sunday.

Hamilton overtook Finnish racer Kim Raikonnen with the move but allowed him to pass soon after.

McLaren chief Martin Whitmarsh said: "We asked Control to confirm they were comfortable that he allowed Kimi to pass. They said twice that they believed that the position had been given back in a manner that was 'OK'."

Hamilton went past Raikkonen moments later and went on to claim victory.

Whitmarsh added: "If Race Control had instead expressed any concern regarding Lewis' actions at that time, we would have instructed Lewis to allow Kimi to repass for a second time."

The appeal will now go to the FIA's Court of Appeal, due to meet in Paris in the next few weeks.

But judges could rule there are no grounds for appeal as Hamilton was given a drive-through penalty.

That was converted into a 25-second time penalty as the bust-up happened in the last five laps.

ANI