Michael defends Ralf

Post-race, Schumacher Jr was criticised in certain areas of the media for failing to mount a meaningful challenge to Michael's Ferrari despite following in its wheel-tracks for the majority of the race's second half in what many believed to be the best car in the race.

But the Ferrari team leader said: "For us, duelling together is simply great fun. We love competing, fighting and overtaking each other. We have done it many times in the past. But some people outside the cockpit of an F1 car find it difficult to understand.

"We have said it many times, but the dirty air behind a car in front makes it very difficult for you to get by. If you are not substantially faster you don't get into the slipstream. I wouldn't have had any better chance than Ralf. I saw his sector times and he was giving it his all, but they were just not strong enough."

Schumacher also refused to list his Brazilian victory as one of his best, however. "After qualifying and the experiences of Malaysia we weren't sure what was going to happen," he admitted. "I was surprised that we were that competitive and if it turned around a non-calculated victory into a victory, then you are excited. But it was nothing unduly special."