Jaguar's Mark Webber says Formula 1 would be worse off if Michael Schumacher decided to call time on his glittering career.

“It's absolutely phenomenal what he's done,” Webber told Jaguar-racing.com. “He had a very lucky break at the Nurburgring when he was pushed into the gravel and Kimi blew up. But he was also very unlucky at Hockenheim and Budapest where he was stuck behind Jarno, so it all evens out and he fully deserved to win the title.”

Webber added that the German is a great role model for the sport and that currently there are few drivers out there that could step into his shoes.“The guy just never gives up and makes other drivers look ordinary because he doesn't make mistakes,” added Webber. “He's a real professional and I think it's important that he continues to race in Formula One because I don't think the sport is ready for him to leave.

"If he were to go there are only a few guys who would be able to establish themselves and he's the yardstick for all of us. It's too early for him to leave us.”