Schumacher: Alonso a Worthy Champion

Despite the Spaniard having won less races than McLaren rival Kimi Raikkonen, the Renault driver has gone on to clinch the title to become Formula One's youngest Champion.

Alonso has not won a race since the German Grand Prix in July, and Raikkonen could be the first driver to win eight races in a season and still lose the title if he takes victory in China next weekend.

But seven-time World Champion Schumacher believes Alonso has deserved the title despite suggestions that Raikkonen has been faster.

"I keep hearing that stuff about being a worthy World Champion or not," said Schumacher of Alonso. "Fact is that he is champion and in my opinion whoever won it, deserves it."

Schumacher also dismissed any suggestions that Alonso was not an interesting character.

Asked by reporters if Alonso was not not elaborate enough for a true ambassador for the sport, Schumacher replied: "I know that a team would prefer to have not only a quick but also an elaborate driver, but if the racing team was the choice between the faster driver and the one better in giving speeches, it should be quite clear who would be chosen."