Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has spent much of the season fending off questions over Schumacher's retirement but this time he was only offering words of praise for the most successful driver of his era.

"To win a championship is always a great thing," said Weber. "It means a lot to him. It was a difficult race and under these circumstances it is not easy for him to lift his emotion.

"I think he would have rather liked to be on the podium or win the race but it was not possible. Still, he won the championship and he is the best.

"History and all that stuff doesn't mean so much to him but he loves what he is doing and if he wins a race he is happy. He is happy because he won the title but he is a little bit unhappy for the race result.

"He was really mixed up after the race and it always takes a little time for him to understand the situation and get everything in line. But now I think he understands how important this day was for him."