Raikkonen bemoans disappointing send-off

Raikkonen, who will leave McLaren to drive for Ferrari next season, was unable to avoid the first win-less season in a decade for the British squad.

Although he had started from the front row of the grid, the Finn dropped down the order in the race, finishing nearly 30 seconds off Felipe Massa, the race winner.

"This was a very difficult race," said Raikkonen. "My car was not easy to drive today because I didn't have much grip. The straight line speed could have been better as it was not easy to overtake slower cars.

"I ran wide once towards the end of the race which allowed Michael Schumacher to close in, and despite all my efforts I couldn't keep him behind.

"As this is my last race for McLaren Mercedes I want to thank everybody in the team who have supported me throughout my five years here."

Team boss Ron Dennis added: "A disappointing outcome and not the way to finish what has been a difficult season. However next season already starts tomorrow.

"I would like to wish Kimi all the best for next year, but as you would expect we will be doing our very best to ensure that we beat him."

Raikkonen's teammate Pedro de la Rosa scored a point for the team after a difficult race.

"A very tough race for me," said the Spaniard. "I was on a one-stop strategy and obviously this was a little too hard for the tyres. As a result I couldn't really attack, but at least I scored one point for the team.

"On the occasion of this last race of the season I want to thank my team for giving me the opportunity to race, it was a pleasure and an honour to compete for McLaren this year. I would also like to congratulate my compatriot Fernando Alonso on winning his second drivers' world championship."