Debate: Can Hamilton be as good as Schumacher? I Can Britain learn to love Hamilton?

Michael Schumacher has congratulated Lewis Hamilton on becoming Formula One world champion.

The seven-times former world champion admitted that he was "overwhelmed" by Sunday's title decider in Brazil, and has send his best wishes to Hamilton on his achievement.

"I congratulate Lewis Hamilton and I am sending very warm greetings to Felipe," he said.

An overtaking manoeuvre on Toyota's Timo Glock at the penultimate corner on the last lap of the final race of the season helped the 23-year-old capture the crown by a point from Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

"What a finale," Schumacher said, who currently works in an advisory role for Ferrari. "I am still overwhelmed from the race. I have never seen anything like this, not as a racer and not as a spectator - you can probably only say it was fate."

Schumacher also praised Felipe Massa, winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix, who lost out to Hamilton by just a point in the drivers' standings.

"He can leave that race with his head up as with this performance he surely has convinced all the people who still had doubts about his driving skills. He will for sure attack again next year."