Hamilton faces Japan win inquiry The safety car was deployed twice at a rain-drenched Fuji Formula One officials are investigating Lewis Hamilton's victory in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix following complaints about erratic driving.

Red Bull's Mark Webber has accused the Englishman of doing a "bad job" behind the safety car after being knocked out of the race while following Hamilton.

Hamilton's win at Fuji gave him a 12-point lead and put him on the verge of winning the world championship.

If he is found guilty, he could have his points from Japan erased.

Report: Hamilton's Japan win under threat

BBC 5live commentator David Croft, who is at the Chinese Grand Prix for this weekend's race, says there are also suggestions that Hamilton may be penalised 10 places on the grid in Shanghai.

F1 officials are expected to make a decision on Friday.

Part of me wonders whether he showed a little bit of naivety, while part of me wonders whether he had a few tricks up his sleeve. I'd say it was probably a bit of both
Mark Webber on Lewis Hamilton

Webber was knocked out of the race by Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel while they were following Hamilton, and the Australian believes Hamilton braked excessively while they were following the safety car on lap 45.

Webber almost overtook Hamilton as the McLaren driver slowed and moved to the right while following the safety car before an unsighted Vettel hit the Red Bull.

The evidence is believed to be footage filmed from the grandstands at Fuji which appeared on video website YouTube.

"Hamilton did a bad job behind the safety car," said Webber.

"He was not doing what he should have been doing, the rhythm was not there.

"It's hard to swallow, but I have to concentrate on the next race, that's all I can control."

606 DEBATE I have to admit at the time I thought his driving was very poor
GJthesuperstud

He added in an interview with BBC 5live: "Lewis did a great job in the race and deserved to win it, but I'm not sure he did such a great job behind the safety car.

"Part of me wonders whether he showed a little bit of naivety, while part of me wonders whether he had a few tricks up his sleeve. I'd say it was probably a bit of both.

"I can understand a few tricks when the lights are off, but when the lights are on it means we're going nowhere behind the safety car.

"In dry conditions my Mum can follow Lewis behind the safety car - it's nothing special. The job of the guy who is leading behind the safety to car is to follow the safety car - and when you don't do that it causes problems."

Webber (right) was in second place when the accident happened

Hamilton's main championship rival and McLaren team-mate, Fernando Alonso backs Webber's claims.

Alonso crashed out of the race on lap 41 prompting the reintroduction of the safety car which ultimately led to the controversial incident involving Webber and Vettel.

The Spaniard, who was behind Hamilton for the opening 19 laps of the race under the safety car, said: "I also overtook Lewis two or three times, so it seems that we all agree.

"It's difficult to know what the car in front of you needs to do.

"I didn't see the race on TV but, hearing the comments of the drivers, they seemed to overtake the car in front a couple of times and had to make some unnecessary manoeuvres to avoid the cars in front."

If Hamilton does have his 10 points from Japan wiped out, Alonso will be only two points adrift in the race for the title and he says he has not given up hope of winning a third consecutive championship.

"I believe in miracles for sure," he continued.

"I think anything can happen - this is Formula One - until mathematically you have no chance in the championship, you don't give up.

"F1 is unpredictable sometimes and we have seen it many times, especially in wet races - if maybe it is raining again on Sunday then anything can happen."

German driver Vettel echoed Webber's comments in criticising Hamilton.

"It was my fault, but it is clear the rhythm was not there," he said.

"We are all sitting in the same boat. At the point [of the crash) I was distracted, looking to the right.

"I was sure Hamilton was retiring, he seemed to have no power any longer, but by the time I looked back, I was already in Mark's rear end."

F1 regulations state: "The safety car shall be used at least until the leader is behind it and all remaining cars are lined up behind him.