Alonso slams 'unsporting' Schumacher

Speaking on his country's Radio Marca, the Renault driver was very critical of the seven-time world champion, who on Sunday announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the season.

"Zidane retired with more glory than Schumacher," said Alonso, referring to the French football player whose last game was marked by a red card following a controversial head-butt in the World Cup final this year.

"Michael is the man with the most sanctions and the most unsporting driver in the history of Formula One," added the Spaniard, who despite his criticism admitted that racing against the Ferrari driver had been an honour.

"That doesn't mean he hasn't been the best driver, and fighting against him has been an honour and a pleasure," Alonso said.

An angry Alonso was very critical of Formula One last weekend after the race stewards penalised him for blocking Schumacher's teammate Felipe Massa during qualifying.

Alonso was relegated to tenth position on the grid and then suffered further misery when he retired from the race with a broken engine. Schumacher won the race to reduce the gap to Alonso to just two points.

The Spanish driver admitted that, after the penalty, the thought of not racing crossed his mind.

"You think about not racing, but it goes away quickly once you put your helmet on," Alonso added.

"I was one hundred percent sure that I could win the race from anywhere on the grid, to keep on scoring points and finish in front. What I'm sure about is that he who laughs last laughs longest."

Despite his anger, the world champion still believes he can win the title, and said he doesn't agree with his team boss Flavio Briatore's claims that the championship has already been handed to Schumacher.

"I don't agree with Flavio. They haven't given the title to Schumacher already. It's true there have been a lot of decisions against some and in favour of other but that's it."