"We had a great battle and there was no need to take stupid risks, so I had to cut the chicane, " he said.

BBC: McLaren lose appeal over Hamilton

The Englishman was battling with Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen at the Spa circuit when he cut the Bus Stop chicane, resulting in him overtaking the Finnish driver.

BBC: McLaren lose appeal over Hamilton

Hamilton closed right up to Raikkonen on lap 42 but he fatefully cut the Bus Stop chicane after pulling out of a passing move at the end of the lap.

BBC: Hamilton stripped of Belgian win