Originally published October 22, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 22, 2007 at 2:02 AM

Raikkonen earns his first F1 title

Kimi Raikkonen is known as "The Iceman" and he more than kept his cool Sunday, winning the Brazilian Grand...

The Associated Press

Kimi Raikkonen captured the F1 title.

SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Kimi Raikkonen is known as "The Iceman" and he more than kept his cool Sunday, winning the Brazilian Grand Prix and capturing the Formula One title in the tightest race for the championship in 21 years.

Raikkonen won his first F1 crown by taking advantage of rookie Lewis Hamilton's mistake on the first lap and a subsequent gearbox problem with his McLaren, combined with Fernando Alonso's disappointing run.

Ferrari driver Raikkonen took the lead with 21 laps to go, rallying from third in the drivers' standings. Teammate Felipe Massa was second in the season finale.

"We had very good speed in both cars," Raikkonen said. "We're just taking it easy, saving the tires and the cars. We could have gone much faster if we wanted to. It was perfect teamwork from the team, and it paid off very well."

There were some doubts whether Raikkonen would keep the title, as Formula One's governing body — FIA — opened an investigation into possible fuel irregularities.

FIA called a meeting involving representatives from BMW-Sauber and Williams, whose drivers finished fourth, fifth, sixth and 10th — and if at least two of them were punished, Hamilton could have moved up to fifth and thus won the title.

But nearly six hours after the race, FIA said there wasn't enough evidence to penalize drivers or teams. The McLaren team is expected to appeal.

Hamilton, trying to become the first rookie to win the title, went off the track on the first lap and finished seventh. Alonso placed third.

"I went into the race and said to myself, 'Whatever happens today, it's been a phenomenal year,' " Hamilton said. "Who would've thought I would be leading the world championship during the last races? It's a great feeling, being in that position."

Alonso would have had to finish second or better, or Hamilton would have needed to be fifth or better to keep Raikkonen from earning the drivers' championship after his victory.

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