Umm...Kimi could not have passed him unless he had reduced below race pace. Then as you say Hamilton only had to remain below race pace (which he did to allow Kimi to pass) until Kimi was ahead. Hamilton also fulfilled this obligation. Once Kimi was ahead Hamilton resumed speed and passed Kimi (who even had time to throw a couple blocks...which last I check could be a penalty drawing infraction if deemed that they were reckless)
Sorry, but If you admit that Hamilton allowed Kimi to pass , then you also must admit that he fulfilled the obligation of the rules.
Once again, I chuckle when I read Jim C's comments. Reflecting back on the race at Hockenheim, he had this to say about hamiltons pass on Massa.
" that was a really dirty pass, putting your front tire in the sidepod of the other car and pushing it off the track is hardly good racing."
yet, when Kimi does it to hamilton...well...thats different...
Now, just to be clear. I honestly dont feel that Kimi did anything wrong. I only bring this minutia up because others are splitting hairs over a scenario which was nothing more than good racing. Kimi did what he did to maintain his lead. Hamilton did what he had to do to keep from crashing. It was great racing!
This was one of the greatest moments in F1 racing which has now been ruined by the Stewards interferance. If this ruling stands, we will be robbed of the excitment of one of the greatest battles ever between two of the most talented drivers ever in F. This hurts ALL fans whether they be Ferrari, McLaren , or Honda fans. Ten years from now, are you going to show the clip to your kids and try to explain to them that Hamiltons brilliant drive was negated because he slowed 2.3 Kph more when he let Kimi back by or that he should have hesitated 1.421 seconds longer before accelerating again? We are splitting hairs and F1 is becoming exactly what most of us hate about nascar.