The McLaren team, which uses its engines, has won the season championship for six consecutive years; it is in second place this year.
This was followed by a second place in 2007 after the McLaren team had been excluded from the championship.
Hamilton had been told by the McLaren team to slow down and that Button would not pass him if he did so.
This was not enough to convince the resurgent McLaren team to keep him on.
Räikkönen subsequently finished in third position, completing the podium for the McLaren team.
McLaren team won their first world constructor's title since 1991.
Naturally an appeal was made by the McLaren team but the dispute was not resolved for many weeks.
Alexander Wurz took third place for the McLaren team in his only race of the season.
Next year, the McLaren team will change to Honda engines.
The McLaren team decided not to change the tyre, instead opting to go for the victory.