Four-time world champion Alain Prost does not believe Michael Schumacher will have the motivation to win a seventh Formula One crown.

Schumacher sealed his record-breaking sixth title at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on Sunday, eclipsing Juan Manuel Fangio's five world championships in the 1950s.

But Prost, who won his four titles between 1985 and 1993, anticipates a "small let up" in the German's desire from now on.

"With six titles he stands alone and to get a seventh will take a lot of motivation," Prost said.

"Motivation is not something you can decide from one day to another and I don't believe in [Schumacher winning a seventh title] that much."

Prost, who lies second behind the Ferrari driver with 51 Grand Prix wins compared to 70, went on to call Schumacher "the most gifted driver of his generation".