HOPES that Lewis Hamilton may lift the Formula One world title at this weekend's Chinese GP have been thrown into doubt.
Race stewards announced this morning that they would be investigating Hamilton's behaviour behind the safety car at last Sunday's Japanese GP.
It is understood that officials from the Torro Rosso team claimed Hamilton's sudden braking caused an accident between their driver Sebastien Vettel and Red Bull racing's Mark Webber.
The rules state that a competitor must remain at least five car lengths behind the safety car at all times.
The protest was lodge after footage appeared on You Tube showing Hamilton's car slowing dramatically behind the safety car. Vettel and Webber claim this caused their accident.
If Hamilton is found guilty of causing the accident he may be stripped of the 10 points for winning last weekend's race - or ordered to start ten places behind his final qualifying position in Sunday's race.
Hamilton is understood to have already met race stewards.
A decision is expected tomorrow.
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