Raikkonen Champion As Hamilton's Sluggish Start Scuppers Title Dream

Kimi Raikkonen has won his first formula one title by winning the Brazilian Grand Prix, taking advantage of Lewis Hamilton's mistake on the first lap and Fernando Alonso's disappointing run.

The Ferrari driver took the lead with 17 laps to go, coming from third in the drivers' standings to win the tightest race for the championship in 21 years. Teammate Felipe Massa was second in the race.

Hamilton, trying to become the first rookie to win the title and F1's youngest champion, pulled away from the starting grid sluggishly, went off the track on the first lap, and later had problems with his McLaren to finish seventh. Teammate Fernando Alonso could not keep up with the pace of the leaders and finished third.

Alonso would have had to finish second and Hamilton fifth to keep Raikkonen from winning the drivers' championship after his victory. Raikkonen erased a seven-point gap coming into the race to finish with 110 points, one more than Hamilton and Alonso.