Coulthard: Schumacher will be happy

'I would say, from the rumours I've heard, that deep down Schumacher is actually quite happy with the result because he didn't want Eddie [Irvine] to win the championship,' he reportedly told British newspapers.

'Despite the very public image out there to give his team-mate a hand, and the admirable work he did in Malaysia, I think you will find he will return home quite happy.

'He wants to become Ferrari's next world champion.'

Coulthard was embroiled in a war of words with the German after yesterday's race, after Schumacher accused the Scot of deliberately weaving across the track during the championship decider at Suzuka.

The former double world champion brought up a past incident between the two at Spa in 1998 [when Schumacher crashed into the back of Coulthard's car during the Belgian Grand Prix] seemingly questioning Coulthard's motives during that encounter.

Schumacher's team boss Luca di Montezemolo also criticised the Coulthard's driving tactics.

'It is a pity about the lack of fairness from a driver like Coulthard,' he said. 'On the other hand, in sport, there is always someone who does not play by the rules.'